Two Ends of the Pen: Interview with Alaine Greyson, FINDING PEACE

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Finding Peace is book #3 in my debut series, Reclaiming Life. It follows Madeline Grant and Tobias Sawyer as they solve a crime and fall in love. They overcome their insecurities and life circumstances to find their place in the world.

Do you have a favorite character?

My favorite character is Bex Roberts. She is a side character in books #2 and #3, but the main character of book #4. She’s wild, rude, and has no filter, which makes her a hoot to write. You never know what might come out of her mouth.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

I’m a business-minded person, so self-publishing and creating my own publishing company was a natural conclusion. The challenge interested me and it allowed me to learn all aspects of the publishing industry. It also allows me to get real-time data on sales and my reader base, some things you wouldn’t readily receive traditionally.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

I have a cover designer who is fabulous. I give her a short synopsis of the book and some ideas of what I’m looking for and she sends several options. Then we talk about what works and what doesn’t to tweak it. I’ve loved every cover she’s designed for me.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I listen to music, preferably 80s music, when I write. I find songs that relate to my story and put them on loop as I write. It helps maintain momentum and inspires my writing.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I outline before I start writing, but as I write that outline changes. When I let my characters take over, I’m always surprised where they take the story and how it differs from my original vision.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

I have an outstanding professional editor who edits all my books. Hiring an editor is an important step that I don’t think should be skipped. He’s worth more than I pay him and makes each book shine.

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

You must have a tough skin. There will readers that don’t like your books. Some will be mean and some will be constructive. Ignore the mean and learn from the constructive. We all have to grow in our writing. Keep writing, keep learning and keep getting better.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Write for yourself first. Keep it fun. Get a good editor that you trust and a cover designer that can bring your vision to life.

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

This one is fun! Dogs (I have a cocker spaniel), chocolate, tea, talk and night. All my writing takes place at night once everyone is in bed.

Finding Peace
Alaine Greyson
(Reclaiming Life, #3)
Publication date: September 24th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Bracken Point is full of secrets, but none top the ones Tobias Sawyer is ordered to keep.

Sent undercover, Tobias arrives at the small town of Bracken Point determined to solve the case and leave. But he never counted on meeting Madeline Grant.

Ten years ago, Madeline was injured in a house fire, leaving severe burns over her body. Now at twenty, she prefers life behind the scenes, not wanting people to see her scars. When Tobias begins to notice her, will Madeline let down her guard or run away?

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Alaine Greyson lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, son and cocker spaniel puppy. She loves to push the envelope with her stories and strives to make her readers sympathize with characters from all backgrounds. Alaine is an avid reader and considers Jane Austen and Diana Gabaldon to be her literary heroes. She loves Mexican food, 80s music and is a Robert Downey Jr. super-fan. You will find mentions of things she loves throughout her books.

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