Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a
series?
A Vampire’s Tale is a standalone,
paranormal romance novel. My heroine, Marisa Clements, is a paranormal skeptic
who writes vampire stories. She doesn’t believe in vampires… until she meets
one. The vampire in question is my hero, Corgan Halton, whose supernatural
talents range from clairvoyance to telekinesis. His ability to see the future,
and Marisa’s role in it, lead him to seeking her out in order to accomplish his
goal. He wants to tell his story and end his unnatural existence. Involving
Marisa, though, puts her in a danger so grave that he alone cannot protect her.
He enlists help from his maker and their wizard friends to keep Marisa safe.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
Yes, absolutely, I have published
two books using traditional publishers. As a novice author, I never considered
self-publishing. The support and guidance of a publishing house appealed to me.
For my first book, Dream Hunter, I researched which
publishers were accepting unsolicited queries and their submission
requirements. Then I sent query letters to the ones I deemed a good fit. My
third query letter resulted in a contract offer.
For A Vampire’s Tale, my second book, I initially followed the same
process of researching and sending query letters. Social media offered me alternative
routes to gain access to publishers. I participated in pitch parties on
Facebook and Twitter. A June 2016 #PitMad tweet caught the attention of Tirgearr
Publishing. They “favorited” my tweet, meaning they were interested in my work.
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
The book covers for both my books
were created by publisher’s designers. I had significant input into both,
though, by providing the designer with a comprehensive amount of details about
the book and its characters. I also noted covers I liked, ideas I had, and
specific things I didn’t want included. The designer took this information and
created the cover art. Then the publisher provided draft book covers for my
comment.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
In 2010, I “met” an online group
of budding authors. The group’s name is UCW (Up and Coming Writers) and we
connect via a private Facebook group and email. Many members live in the UK and
they have real meet-ups as well. We are an eclectic bunch, writing in a number
of genres, and many of us have published work. I think belonging to a writing
group, UCW is more than a critique group, is great for support. We’ve all been
there – rejection letters, horrible reviews, editing headaches – so whatever we
need – encouragement for our life or our craft – a friend is just a post/email
away. And we also critique/promote each other’s work. Their feedback is
invaluable and has definitely helped improve my work.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I would be the first to confess I
don’t write using an outline. Although, I do keep some semi-unorganized notes
to keep me on track. Details like eye color and characteristics, and spelling
and formatting choices need to be consistent throughout. I guess you could say
I follow my muse, but leave bread crumbs along the way so I can make it home
safely.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
I rely on my writing group and
their eagle eyes to spot any glaring errors before I send out query requests.
We use the track-changes function in Word to suggest changes and make comments.
As avid readers and experienced authors, we have a unique perspective to share
with each other.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
My first book Dream Hunter is also sold on Just Ink
Press’ website and Barnes & Noble.
What kinds of marketing [twitter,
facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?
Finally, my business degree is coming in handy! <<laughs>> Marketing and promotion are two different, but related, processes. Marketing covers price, product, place, and promotion. Promotion, part of marketing, covers the modes of communication used to create awareness and provide information about the product.
Finally, my business degree is coming in handy! <<laughs>> Marketing and promotion are two different, but related, processes. Marketing covers price, product, place, and promotion. Promotion, part of marketing, covers the modes of communication used to create awareness and provide information about the product.
My author website is my platform
and includes information about me, my books, and current events.
I track my promotional activities,
including review requests, social media interactions, and promotion requests,
in a spreadsheet. As a new author, obtaining reviews is especially important. I
have sent out nearly 300 review requests for A Vampire’s Tale, resulting in 3 completed reviews and over 30
pending reviews (as of mid-March). I target book reviewers and bloggers
interested in paranormal romance and send personalized review requests. Blogging
is a great way to promote new content, I also visit other blogs for book
spotlights, author interviews and guest posts. An organized Facebook or Twitter
party or a virtual book tour is an effective way to release a new title. I have
a virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions running from March 22 to May
10 visiting several amazing blogs, including this one. Regular posts and
interactions on social media, especially promoting other authors and new,
relevant content, is another great tool. There are many companies which offer
promotional services, but I research my options, for best value and potential
results, before I make a purchase. Whatever your approach, be consistent and
mindful.
Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
Reading… <<goofy
grin>> With the advent of the ebook, I can bring, literally, hundreds of
books with me at all times on my phone. I still read a print book, there’s
nothing like the feel or smell of a book in your hands, but ebooks are so
convenient… and light to travel with. I also enjoy music – going to rock
concerts and musical theatre. I love to sing and I play the piano, although not
often. Other passions include Disney, coffee, and eating but not
cooking. My husband, the absolute love of my life, is the cook in our house
and, thankfully, his meals are a crowd-pleaser for our particular children.
What’s next for you?
Dynamic dedication to completing my next novel… perhaps a
sequel to A Vampire’s Tale… and
living life to the fullest with my husband and two young sons!
Thanks so much for having me today!
BLURB:
The best laid plans…
Marisa Clements was
never satisfied writing the ‘gossip column’ in the local paper so she quit her
job to follow her dream of writing fiction. Floundering in an unforgiving
industry, she wrote about vampires, a popular subject she considered
fascinating but as real as unicorns, to pay the rent.
Corgan Halton was
tired of human misconceptions about vampires. He planned on telling Marisa his
story and end his existence. It was no coincidence Corgan selected Marisa to
write his story. With the ability to see the future, he knew she would be a
major part of it. He knew she would be the one to help him die, but in doing
so, she’d be doomed to the same fate. Once they met, their futures would be
irrevocably intertwined.
Corgan began caring
for Marisa and finally revealed the truth to her. He admitted his quest to
atone for his past sins had put her in grave danger from a nest of revenge-seeking
vampires. Corgan must claim her for her own protection. But claiming her is not
enough, he must ask for help from his wizard friends and his maker in order to
destroy his enemy or Marisa will never be safe.
Buy Links:
The book will be on sale for only $0.99
on Kindle until March 27.
Follow
the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning.
The tour dates can be found here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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