Interview with Author Sue Seabury

I'm excited to i inform readers that I will be posting an author's interview once a month. This is a chance for readers to get to know up and coming writers in the world of Young Adult books.

This month I'm interviewing Sue Seabury.
Sue likes exotic travel, good food, and great conversation. Since she doesn't often get to enjoy any of these things, she makes up stories about them. Find her book on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Sue-Seabury/e/B00AOLIBTM

And onto the Interview....


Sue, do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?


I’m no expert, but marketing is marketing. Give away something people want cheap or free.


I noticed that a few of your books are quite affordable. I especially like the cover art for Miss Understanding which features the Eiffel Tower. This reminded me of my travels to France in both 2011 and 2012. Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying
process?


Yes. I believe everyone judges a book by its cover, no matter what they say.


As far as marketing goes, did you find yourself making any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?


I suppose I made them in not doing more research into how to market. I plan to correct that.


Do you use a PR agency?


I do not, but I would consider. As an introvert, marketing is automatically not my forte.


What advice would you give to your younger self?

Ignore negativity. It reflects on that person, not you.


Bloggers, this is all the time we have today. You can get in touch with Sue on Facebook or Twitter. Sue is also releasing her novel "Bite Me" for free on instaFreebie. Claim your copy today!

The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say-Anais Nin

Professional writers

A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit-Richard Bach

“When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, ‘I am going to produce a work of art.’ I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial concern is to get a hearing.”
—George Orwell

Finding the right words

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” 
― Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums


theglobaldig.blogspot.com

Knocks me out

“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.” 
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Faye Hall comes to Trin Carl's Blog

As you may know, Trin Carl will be posting interviews with authors on her blog. This is a chance for readers to get to know up and coming writers.

Today I'm interviewing Faye Hall, an Australian Romance writer.

Each of Faye's books have passionate connections between the hero and heroine, surrounded and threatened by deceit, scandal, theft and sometimes even murder. You can get a hold of Faye on her blog, Facebook or Twitter.


And onto the interview...

Faye, what are your ambitions for your writing career?

I want it all!  I want bestsellers and international recognition.  Most of all I want to lead the way for historical romances set in Australia.

Ambitious, Love it!

Which writers inspire you?

All writers inspire me, especially those that have been rejected so many times but stuck with it until they got what they wanted.

So, what have you written?

I have six historical romance eBooks published with traditional publishers – My gift to You, She’s a lot Like You, Mistress of Purity, Passions in the Dust, Shrouded Passions & Deceit & Devotion.  I have a 7th book out in May of this year – Amorous Redemption.  I obtained a best seller from ARE (which has sadly now shut down).  I also have been published in several poetry journals, and am in the process of self-publishing a complete book/s of my poetry this year.

Six books! Now you know that must have taken a lot of work.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main male character from the upcoming release Amorous Redemption is Duncan MacAllester.  He is a very mysterious man who has left his once wealthy upbringing to become a bounty hunter.  He is very in touch with the outback and the natives that live there.  The main female character is Phoebe Porter.  She is very strong minded and determined that she would not fall victim to any man.  Fleeing from her arranged marriage she is determined to create a life of her own far from her home town.

What are you currently working on and what is it about?

I’m currently working on Heart of Stone.  The story tells of an Australian slave trader who becomes involved with an Irish slave.  Together they have a very heated and forbidden love affair that ultimately ends up risking both of their lives.

Sounds interesting Faye, I also noticed that you also write poetry. I attached one of my favorites below to give readers a taste.

Sing me a song
Put lyrics to my name
And let me sing it a thousand times
Then maybe once again
Ask me questions
You know I’ll never answer
Then hold out your hand
And brush it on my cheek
Sing about tomorrow
Or how yesterday used to be
Then sing me a song once more
Then I’ll ask you once again
Sing to me.

Copyright© Faye Hall

What drew you to write romance?  

I write in my genre simply because I love history and I love the romantic tales of our forefathers when they left their homelands to start new lives in Australia.

How much research do you do?  

I tend to do quite a bit so that I have accurate names for hotels and ships and such.  My own family were early settlers in the areas my books are set so I rely a lot on my own family history and stories also.

Yes, I noticed that a lot of your novels are based on towns and cities that really exist in Australia, including Bowen which is known for having several shipwrecks. In particular the SS Gothenburg which claimed 100 lives.  

When did you decide to become a writer?

I guess I made the final decision just as I was finishing high school.  I had always written and told my family stories, but it wasn’t until one of my then teachers told me I would never make it as a writer that I really got the need to prove him wrong.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

I do have printed out drafts of mostly all my stories as a back-up.  The scripts usually come together in a notebook in the form of either notes or actually full pages of dialogue.  First draft is always typed on the computer though.

Where do the your ideas come from?

They come from lots of things.  I get a lot of ideas from certain songs I listen to, or from watching music clips.  Other times stories are born from conversations with my husband about the lives of our grandparents when they migrated to Australia.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

For me it’s first finding the time.  Secondly it’s how to start the story.  I type and delete and re-type the first paragraph about a hundred times usually.  Usually by the time I get to the end I have to go back and change the beginning though cause everything has changed so much.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

The hardest thing about Amorous Redemption was making sure I had the hotels named correctly in the towns.  I try to stick as close to accurate history as possible but given that so many of the buildings have since burnt down it is a challenge.  As the story is also based my own great grandparents I had to be careful to do it justice and not stray too far from the real story.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

Being Australian and writing books set in my country always sets a challenge.  Most people think of the early Australians to be ruff miners or wearing cork hats, and I need to describe everything so that the reader can see just how civilized those people actually were.  

Oh really I never heard of a cork hat, but when I googled it, I realized it's your typical Crocodile Dundee hat.

Australian slang is also hard to slip into the novels as rarely are they understood outside of my country.  We do have a unique dialogue to say the least.

Yes, I noticed. I came across a site http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html devoted to Australian slang and these great words including:Banana bender, a person from Queensland or a billy, a teapot.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block, and do you have any tips for getting through it?

I rarely get it but of course it does happen.  The only person ever able to snap me out of it is my husband though.  He starts talking to me about the story and throwing suggestions at me as to where to go with the story next.  Even if they’re just silly suggestions it always helps me get back on track.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.  

I don’t read as much as I used to unfortunately.  That said my most favorite authors are still Harper Lee and Amanda Quick.  Two very different women with very different styles but still close to my heart.

Harper Lee! You must have read "To Kill a Mockingbird." In high school, I played Scout! #fond memories

Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?  

I have had to do that with a few books, more out of frustration then necessity.  There have been times when it seems a bit much and I literally have to just walk away from a script for a while.

How are you publishing this book and why? 

Amorous Redemption is being published traditionally.  I like knowing that no matter how good I think a script is that someone else has looked at it and thought it was worth the effort too.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?  

I guess the advantage of traditional publishing is having covers and edits supplied for you.  I don’t have to source them.  The hugest downfall would have to be the money though because you only get a certain percentage of the royalties.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?  

It’s hard finding an avenue to get noticed these days.  Sure there’s social media which I use and find great but you do tend to get drowned amongst the masses most times.  Being persistent I find tends to help.  Also I’ve been lucky to work with some really lovely bloggers who are happy to give each of my books my plug.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?  

I do devote quite a lot to marketing.  Usually an hour a day doing ads and sending out emails and requests.


That is all the time we have today folks, feel free to get in touch with Faye on her blog, or Facebook,  Readers, please comment below if you have some unique marketing advice .

Interview with Kimi Combow-Gill

I'm excited to inform readers that I will be posting interviews with authors on my blog. This is a chance for readers to get to know up and coming writers.
Today I'm interviewing Kimi Combow-Gill.

Kimi writes Nonfiction.  She can be contacted on her blog,www.kimicombow.com, instagram, facebook or twitter.

Kimi grew up in the Vancouver area of BC, Canada. A therapist for over ten years, she graduated from UBC with a Masters in Counseling Psychology.

And onto the interview...

What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I have realized that I love to write. I am a counselor by profession and my writing is an extension of my ability to help others. "Still Single? It's Not What You Are Doing- It's How You Are Being" is my first published book, however I do plan to write other books with the intention of helping more people.

Which writers inspire you? Dr. Wayne Dyer, Iyanla Vanzant, Gary Zukov, and the list goes on...

So Kimi, what have you written? 
I recently launched my first book, "Still Single? It's Not What You Are Doing- It's How You Are Being". I have also written articles for Marriage.com and BG magazine. In addition, I have a personal blog where I jot down quotes, inspirations, and my thoughts. Stay tuned for more!

What drew you to write in this genre?
 I love to read self-help books that inspire me to reflect and grow. I guess this is what drew me to write in this genre! :)

Self-Help books huh?  You might get a kick out of this new one I'm reading Tools of Titans:The Tactics, Routines and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I had the thought about 10 years ago inspired by Wayne Dyer's book, The Power of Intention. A few years later I remember saying to myself, "I am going to write a book about this one day!". I was referring to my journey in finding my life partner as well as witnessing my client's and friend's go through similar situations.

I too woke up and said I'm going to write a book one day, but it came from hours of working overnight at a nursing facility and I just knew I had to put my mind somewhere or I was going to go crazy. #workingovernightishard

Do you write full-time or part-time?  
Part-time. I work as a counselor otherwise. I have a private practice and also work in the school system.

How often do you write, and do you have a special time during the day to write? I write when I have the time and when my heart is feeling it.

Where do the your ideas come from? 
My heart, my profession....

I see that your writing goes beyond what you have written in your books and on your blog.  You also draw from personal experience.  I noticed in one of your articles you wrote about how in the past you often put a wall up with men. That sounds like something I would do.  In fact I became so prolific in putting men in categories that I often bypassed the good ones, almost like I was going to the mall and picking out a pair of shoes by the way they looked instead of the way they fit.

What is the hardest thing about writing? 
Finding the time to write!

I hear ya.  I find my writing during one hour naps my little one takes.  If not for those I'd still be on the first chapter of my book instead of the 10th.  By the way did I tell you I'm working on a novel titled "Oh Brother." Its a YA novel about an adoptive family who takes on a troublesome foster boy.  Keep your eye open for it.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
 It took me approximately 3 years to finish the book that I recently released. (Remember that is part time hours)

Do you ever get Writer’s Block, and do you have any tips for getting through it? 
Yes I do, but then the best thing for me is to step away from the computer and be active in nature. Take a break from writing for a while until my mind clears up.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I love Wayne Dyer.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
 I grew up with paperbacks so I prefer that but I have been reading more ebooks lately as times are a changing!

Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you? 
I have an editor that edits my books.

Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit? 
Yes I do this- how did you know!?

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
 Yes, the cover is the first thing people notice when buying your book.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
  Since it is the first book I have published and self-published, the learning curve has been steep and I still continue to learn every day. I find it fun to learn new things and this has been a fun project.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books? 
 Start early. I didn't start until my book was published. However, start marketing while you are still in the writing phase or even research phase. Start to build your brand early on.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book? 
As stated above, I didn't market while I was writing my book. Now that my book is published, it is all about marketing. However marketing includes writing articles as a guest post, etc. So I am still writing!

That's all the time we have today folks, contact Kimi at www.kimicombow.com

Story gots to come out

"If a story is in you it's got to come out."-William Faulkner

Lenore comes to Trin Carl's Blog

I'm excited to inform readers that I will be posting interviews with authors on my blog. This is a chance for readers to get to know up and coming writers.
Today I'm interview Lenore Harper.

Lenore writes novels and posts on her blog. You can contact her at lenoreharper.com , facebook, twitter, or instagram.

And onto the interview..

So Lenore, what have you written?

So far I have written one novella for the Grayslake: More Than Mated Kindle World. It is titled "Bear in Mine" and I couldn’t be prouder of it

 

Which writers inspire you?

Jane Austen, Celia Kyle, Harper Sloan, Abbie Zanders, Heather Rainier, and any other authors who have transformed the romance genre into a continual frenzy of unquenchable passion.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

In Bear in Mine my heroine is Emily who is a bit different than other humans. She’s not a shifter but grew up with them and has a hard time finding her place in the world. She has the unique gift of being an empath, clairvoyant, and telepathic which she uses to help shifters. This gift is her bane of existence and could cost her happiness. She sees herself as weak but what she deems a weakness is actually her strength. Knowing what using her gift costs her (pain among them) and that her secret will cause her mate to turn away from her she still goes to help when asked.

What are you currently working on and what is it about?

I am currently working on two books. The City Girl Ropes a Lawman which is a contemporary cowboy romance. It is about a woman who has spent her life being what everyone else wants her to be. After years of being her family’s emotional punching bag she decides its past time to make a change. A chance phone call will lead her to Cooper Creek, Montana and the town sheriff who could be the love she always craved. Of course that is if she can convince him that she’s not a money hungry floozy.

My other book is Unbreakable Ties which is a paranormal shifter romance. In this one Grace and Mason are mates who suffered a tragedy ten years ago. A tragedy that left them broken and now Grace is determined to put the past firmly behind her. She files for divorce and plans to have the mating broken by the elders. The only problem is bears mate for life and Mason doesn’t take receiving divorce papers well. A night of passion that Grace considered a final good-bye leaves her staring at two pink lines and a mate who refuses to leave.

What drew you to write in this genre? Romance has always been my love. From the moment I discovered romance books I have been addicted to them. I fell in love with paranormal romance a few years ago and knew that if I ever wrote I wanted to write that sub-genre. The cowboy/country theme that you will find in a lot of my books steams from my own southern background.

How much research do you do?

I actually do a lot of research. I search Pinterest for animals that have the look and feel of the shifter I am writing about. I contact tourist boards in states and cities to make sure that I have any important information that I need. Even if I am making up the town I want to be sure I have the feel of the area I set in. I talk with people within a particular industry to be sure that I have the occupation correct and so many other things. I usually spend the weekends doing research.

Have you written works in collaboration with other writers, and if so: why did you decide to collaborate and did it affect your sales?

No I have not yet worked with any other writers. I am not opposed to it and hope to do so in the future.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I always wanted to write but life led me down another path. When Celia Kyle announced the Grayslake: More Than Mated Kindle World I thought why not. I wrote the book and then thought, no will buy this. Now after more sales than I imagined I am still in shock. I still celebrate each sale and excited to see what the future brings.

How often do you write, and do you have a special time during the day to write?

I try to write everyday and I tend to write my best at like 3 am. It is hard to get writing in each day and that is why I get up early. The house is quiet and I can think without having a million other things going on.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

I do try to write somewhere between 500-10,000 words a day. However as long as I write some each day (except weekends) then I am satisfied.

Where do the your ideas come from?

They come from all sorts of places. Sometimes I wake up and have an idea that develops into a scene or a book. Sometimes I meet a person and think they would be a great character. I do have some characters in my upcoming books that are based on family members or other people in my life.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

For me it is finding the time to get the writing in. I have to write each day and some days there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

The cow! I actually have a cow in The City Girl Ropes a Lawmanwho is being a bit stubborn and won’t flesh herself out well enough yet.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

For this book the easiest has been the heroine. She talks a lot and getting her story out if very easy.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

I wrote my first one in a couple of months but then next one is taking me a little longer. I would say I will be done in another two months so roughly 4 months. I think that I something that gets better over time.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block, and do you have any tips for getting through it?

Yes!! Just walk away for the day or event or week. Sometimes you need to walk away and come back with fresh eyes.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I read about 10 books a month. Sometimes more, it just depends on how busy I am. My favorite authors include: Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, Lexi Blake, Ruby Dixon, Grace Goodwin, T.S. Joyce, Heather Rainier, Cara Covington, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Harper Sloan, and so many more.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

I like both. I love traditional books but a few of the authors I read only do ebooks which is okay too.
 Lenore, what are your ambitions for your writing career?
I don’t have any huge ambitions. It’s sad, I know, but true. I started out on a whim and now I simply want to write and have people enjoy my writing. I want to look back when I come to the end of my life and say that I did it. I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and accomplish a long-held, secret dream.

Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

I do both. I proofread and edit on my own first and then it send it off to be done. It helps to have different eyes on things because I can miss something.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Yes. The old saying about not judging a book by its cover is hogwash. Even though we shouldn’t the cover is the first thing you see when you look at a book. A cover can make the reader want to know more or turn them away completely.

How are you publishing this book and why?

Indie because it is simply the right step for me. I like having control over every aspect of my book. I like being able to choose my own covers, set my own pricing, and deciding who I work with and who I don’t.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

The main advantage is that you are in control and don’t have to worry about a publisher telling you no. The downside is that you are on your own which means marketing and everything is up to you.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

Try every method you can until you find what works for you. The first month my book was out I joined a giveaway with some bloggers and had the best sales ever. The next month without much marketing was so much less. I’m still finding my way when it comes to marketing.
Bio:
Lenore's books are teeming with the allure of alpha men and the undeniably strong women who show them that love is the most powerful force of them all.  Lenore is the type of author who walks to the beat of a drum that is only audible to her, spending countless hours chatting with the characters of her books who won’t stop talking until their stories are all written.

That's all the time we have today folks. Find more about Lenore on facebook, twitter, instagram, or her blog:lenoreharper.com