Can you give us a brief
overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Helix is book 2. ISAN—International
Sensory Assassin Network is book one. I enjoy watching dystopian and science
fiction movies so I decided to write one. I got the idea when I was teaching
sensory science unit to my kindergarten students. I thought … wouldn’t it be
cool to have some form of sensory power. And that is where the idea came from. By
the way, I’m no longer a teacher.
Have you ever had a minor
character evolve into a major one?
One of my minor character
evolves at the end of Helix. The readers will not see that coming. However, she
does not become a major character.
How long before you got your
offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
I self-published first. I
never wanted to be an author and it happened by chance. Being a kindergarten
teacher, writing was just a hobby. After several years later, I decided to
write fulltime. Then I met my amazing agent.
Are you currently under a
traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts
that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?
I decided to no longer
self-publish. I love working with my publisher. They have gone all out and guided
me to the next level of being traditional published. My publisher is different
than the others. They are books to film multimedia corporation. ISAN has been
optioned and so has my other series called Ronin
Witch that has not been published yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.
What is your writing
process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I get everything out of the
way first—make phone calls, run errands, feed the dog, send kids off to school,
start dinner, and then I sit by the window with Mochi, my dog that always
follows me, and start typing. With less distraction, I can get through a
chapter faster.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Yes. I get all my thoughts
down first. Then I do the edits myself. I revised the description words and
make sure I’m not repeating words too close together. My manuscript has to be
in top shape before I send it to my editor. Editing is a MUST.
What have you’ve learned
during your self-publishing journey?
The whole process: Writing,
cover design, editing, formatting, blog tours, ARCs, and marketing.
Besides Amazon, are there
any other sites where your books are for sale?
Nook, iTunes, Kobo. Goggle,
all sites.
What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you
involved with for promoting your book(s)?
Facebook, Instagram, twitter,
email subscription.
What advice would you give a
new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Read many books. Read what
is out there especially the genre you’re writing. It’s not an easy road, but
don’t give up. Team up with other authors and build a family to help each
other.
Some fun facts about you,
which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Dogs.
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Talk or Text? Talk
Day or Night? Night
What’s next for you?
More books to come with
Vesuvian Books.
Helix
Mary Ting
(International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: September 10th 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Alliances are forming. The resistance is growing. Everything is about to change.
With her memory still fragmented, Ava returns to the International Sensory Assassin Network (ISAN) to find the twin sister she never knew she had.
But as Ava hunts for information, she finds herself tangled in a web of yet more lies and conspiracy.
The Helix serum may not be required to access her superpowers, and the number of male assassins—previously considered too volatile to tolerate Helix—is growing in every territory.
The more Ava uncovers, the more of a threat she becomes to ISAN. Her only salvation may be to join the rebels—if she isn’t killed first.
Author Bio:
International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres and her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.
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