Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?
A Destined Death is a light-hearted paranormal romance about
soul mates. Draven & Elizabeth share a bond that reaches beyond death but
she doesn’t remember it. She’s been reincarnated into a new life. Draven waits,
hoping she’ll remember on her own but if he waits too long, it could cost her
her life…again!
Did you
try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
My journey in the publishing world has been an interesting
one. I’ve put in my time sending off manuscripts and waiting for publishers to
respond since I began writing.
My first novel, Wanted:
Vampire - Free Blood, was contracted by a publisher, but it wasn’t
scheduled to release for an entire year afterward. During that time, I
self-published a novella, Curse of the
Egyptian Goddess, to get my name out there sooner and hopefully gain notice
with readers. It’s a short but steamy and humorous read.
Since A Destined Death
is a full-length novel, I planned to go through a publisher again. I sent it
off and waited months to hear back. Unfortunately, it didn’t fall into their
category of a typical romance. At the same time, six beta readers claimed to
love it and one said it was the most romantic story they’d ever read.
That left me conflicted. Would it be better to change my
story to meet publisher specifications or stick with my vision? I had a
decision to make.
I did make a few changes but ultimately, I decided to keep
my story as it was intended because I love it, and I am proud to say, it is how
it was meant to be. And yes, I am hoping to get many more 5 star reviews and sell
a million copies just to prove I made the right decision.
How are
your story ideas born?
My story ideas are born in my dreams mostly. When I have a
dream that affects me strong enough to write it down, I hang onto the thoughts
and play with them in my head, bouncing around the what-if’s. I find things
that inspire the tone of story, like music or maybe an object. Those are always
present when I start writing.
Do you
belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
Not a critique group, but I do belong to some writers
groups, and I have a few critique partners. Having another set of eyes viewing
your material always helps.
What’s
your favorite part of the writing process?
Being creative & having the ah-ha moments that make each
manuscript great.
What is
your writing process?
I consider myself
a plotter. Once I get an idea in my head, I jot it down and create a general
outline. I try to work out the ending in advance so I have a clear idea of
where I’m headed.
That’s the nice
and neat picture but during the writing process, the outline changes many times
as the characters lead me through each scene. They demand flexibility so I
adjust and follow.
How long
did it take to write your latest release?
A Destined
Death came out at 80,000 words and took about six months.
What have
you learned during your self-publishing journey?
Marketing is hard and time-consuming but when someone comes
back and says they love your book, it makes it all worth while.
What kinds
of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for
promoting your book(s)?
I do as much as I can. I believe the best way to spread the
word is to interact with others. I try to post comments on blog posts I enjoy
and help out other authors when I can. Good karma and professional courtesy go
a long way.
Website: http://www.lisarayns.com
What’s
next for you?
My very first book, Wanted:
Vampire - Free Blood, was just released by The Wild Rose Press on August
24th. I’m very excited and am currently working on the 2nd book in that series.
Check out the blurb & book trailer
here:
http://www.lisarayns.com/wvfb.html
Thanks for having me on your blog today!
Elizabeth Tarkson has it all figured out. She has a plan. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. At least she does until the day she turns eighteen, and a gorgeous stranger crashes her birthday party.
But this stranger knows things about her that he shouldn’t know, and as he slowly reveals his secrets, she discovers the world she thought she understood is much larger than she'd ever imagined. She is swept into a whirlwind of secrets, death, and attraction all involving him. Will she uncover the truth about her tragic past in time? Or will she be forever bound to…A Destined Death
Buy links:
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-destined-death-lisa-rayns/1110602989
Amazon:
Thanks for having me today, Deb!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome! Best of luck with your book.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book and keep bugging poor Lisa Rayns that it needs a follow up book.
ReplyDeleteIt's true and I appreciated it, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview you are a new to me author and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on your books.Have a great week
ReplyDeleteflanagan@mebtel.net
Thanks Wanda. Good Luck!
ReplyDelete