Blog Tour: Interview with C David Murphy

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

A Diary's House is based in the mountains of North Carolina just after the Civil War. It relates the life of a young boy (Landon Hampshire) growing up in his youth and trying to become a young man. The diary he discovers reveals the secrets of a world nearly forty years before. Through this diary he becomes more than a witness on the generations of life, the bounty of love, what true love really means, and the rekindling of lost love – but he finds himself living within its boundaries as his own life unfolds. The diary is of a young woman who lived during the times of the Trail of Tears, how she fell in love with a young Cherokee boy, the troubles and trials that this would present, and the endurance of love throughout all times. It turns into a sweeping romance that transcends time and place. It’s more than a boy's journey into manhood, but the mysteries of so many lives unknowingly intertwined, now brought together in a climatic ending; all from the engrossing world embedded in a forgotten diary; a diary of a woman.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

This novel has been through quite a journey. From its earliest inceptions nearly a decade ago tills, its final evolution and the eventual novel it has become. During my initial querying agents and publishers, I did receive interest from multiple sources. I decided to keep the story back for such a long time, making what I felt were necessary adjustments and waiting until I felt the right moment would come for me to enter it into the ‘Indie’ world. Which I believe the time is now…

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

I’ve been in a loose-fit of local groups from time to time here in Charlotte NC. But I have always felt like a writer’s journey can be quite an individualistic travel. The stories I write are unique unto themselves, diverse, with a narrative just as unique. If a reader finds the scope of the novel plausible, they will read on. If they enter into several chapters and discover the book viable, then the novel probably will get a full read. A Diary’s House is immersed in the complexity of its storylines, the diverse nature to its culture, the intricate backdrop; the times and nuances of that age, and the lore and legends which make this location such a special place. Being set in the mountains of NC was the perfect place for such a novel’s setting.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

The biggest factor is that there is now a concrete avenue for writers under the ‘Indie’ autonomy which gives the writers the necessary freedom to ‘test’ their works in the open market. Before you had to wait weeks, if not months for publishers to go through the ‘snail-process’ of accepting or rejecting your work. If, after you are successful in this venue, then you are looking at months, perhaps years before your work is exposed to the general public. There are also greater bounds for success in the ‘Indie’ process, though the arena might be convoluted with a vast array of entries for the readers to choose from. The reader now has the freedom to choose what they like and what they want to read.

What is your writing process?

I begin with a captive sentence; something that could appeal to the general reader. A Diary’s House started with the simple phrase of ‘a woman in the diary’. From there grew the antidote of the principal relations between a grandmother and her grandson. Their story only deepens the mood of this story; the ties are far-reaching, and the story will go in directions the reader will not suspect. But in the end, the relevance of its truth regarding ‘true, essential love’ will reward the reader with its unforgettable ending. The emotional impact, I feel, is riveting and profound to the reader.

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

Both – sometimes one takes principal importance over the other. Character pre-development, storyline invention, scene sketching all form and weave the novel into the comprehensive story that it becomes. If I were to have a concrete methodology upfront, and all the development has to be established before writing a word, then I might find myself with an itch I can’t scratch. Many times the characters will dictate the tale and scope, and the ultimate direction the work will take. I have to be genuine to the lives I write about, and the reader has to know the sense and sensibility on the genuine nature of each character. It binds ‘viability’ to the story.

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

The publisher and I bounced back and forth on the editing collaboration before the publication date.

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

There are more avenues for self-publishing than there used to be. Just a few years ago there was virtually nothing out there for the self-published works. Now there are so many to choose from, the writer should be cautious on who carries the ‘rights’ to their works. The biggest thing is to be realistic about your expectations (on your genre for the work and your writing skills), and to persevere through all obstacles which might present themselves during the process. It’s not enough to desire ‘self-fulfillment’ simply because you have written a work you have pride in. It’s important for each writer to learn the market place and to fully understand their rights as the creator of intellectual properties.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

A Diary’s House is on a multitude of sites. www.Smashwords.com , www.Kobo.com , www.barnesandnoble.com , Google Ebooks, Indigo, Abebooks, Alibris, Indiebound, Half, Audible, Ibookstore to name a few. I would suggest googling A Diary’s House.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

It’s funny… I’m not the most savvy when it comes to this. But I do have a twitter account www.twitter.com/cdavidmurphy ; www.facebook.com/cdavidmurphy ; my website www.cdavidmurphy.com  for more info about me, reviews, my ‘Language from the Heart’ blog series and also ‘Landon’s Journal’ series as well as my dedication to my son – Landon Murphy. Check back often as more will be posted on a very regular basis. I also post sample chapters of my works on www.fictionpress.com ; www.scribd.com ; www.goodreads.com .

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

My publisher Digital Publishing Expert has been very, very helpful. Marlene Diaz has been super through this whole process. I am greatly indebted to her. But still it takes time to write the blogs, keep up with postings, look at reviews and comments and responding in kind.

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

Be wise – quickly. Understand you can have the greatest novel ever written, but without adequate exposure as an unknown author, you are fighting an uphill battle. Being good in your craft doesn’t necessarily mean you will obtain the success you desire upfront. But knowing yourself and being dedicated to your passions for writing always gives you greater opportunities down the road. There is a certain aspect of catching ‘lightening in a bottle’, but also perseverance will increase your chances and then ‘destiny’ might well find you. My next novel fits just in this category. The reviews I have received for it have been extremely encouraging - all the way to the point that it is right in Oprah’s wheelhouse and that she should take a good hard read on it. But still it is an unknown work. You have to believe in what you write, but also have a discerning eye so that your writing skills progress and get better over time. 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I love the outdoors - and growing up in the mountains of NC means that it’s always in your blood. I love the beauty and majestic nature of this world and I find great adventure (as Landon Hampshire does) in exploring every nook and cranny I can discover. Sports, music, Church activities are all key to me.

What’s next for you?

Well, the next novel ‘When Tomorrow Never Comes’ is complete – just a few tweaks here and there. It is a family drama with real and viable circumstances. The compelling nature of this story tests the very will of the ‘James’ family in ways they could never have imagined before actually falling into a tragic world of survival. It’s an American family tale which should resonate with a large audience base. You discover how lives can change and alter in ways that are very, very unscripted. It’s based on a true story – a relationship novel with many layers.

Another novel now in its final edits ‘The Chronicles of Good and Evil – Dracula’s Lair/The Darkest Tower’ is the beginning of a series of books. It is the galactic struggle for humanity. A Christian fictional novel – its composition turns visionary and will provoke the debate on how humanity should travel and how the age-old war between good and evil is truly universal. Timing placed aside, it is a story which will resonate into today’s world – very much so. I wanted to create a form of Christian ‘superhero’s’, if you will, a legion of angels. I believe it is a provocative tale which delves into the real life and times of Dracula, the true battles of Satan and God, and how the attrition war for humanity still greatly affects us today. I am truly excited about this novel. 

Interview with Annie Rachel Cole

-->

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

In Guardian of Atlantis, sixteen-year-old Raven Weir has a somewhat normal life until she receives a mysterious necklace everyone is willing to kill her to get because it contains the key codes to Atlantis. Now she finds she’s the only one standing between Atlantis and those who want to use the power hidden there to take over the world. And Zeus is at the head of that line. On top of worrying about social acceptance at school, Raven has to get control of her growing powers before she harms someone, deal with the alpha Hellhound at school who is attracted to her while members of his pack are trying to kill her, and come to terms with the fact she’s adopted and her biological parents are Medusa and Poseidon.

I just put out a collection of short ghost stories, No Rest for the Spirit and Other Ghostly Tales.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

For years I’ve queried agents with little to no luck. I’ve gotten a few requests for partials and a full manuscript request once, but all were rejected.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

I don’t belong to a critique group, but I have several readers who give me feedback and suggestions.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

The numerous rejections are one of the things that pushed me toward self-publication. You can only hear “It’s a good story, but…” so many times.  A few months ago, I literally stumbled across Joe Konrath’s blog, A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing. As a result of these events, I made the decision to become an Indie Author and take control of my own writing career.

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

I’ve learned there are people who will cheer for you and then there are those who will try to cut you down. You have to have a tough skin and be optimistic. Book sells aren’t going to immediately happen. You have to build your audience base and that takes time and a lot of hard work.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

Guardian of Atlantis is available in ebook and paperback at Barnes and Noble and in paperback at the CreateSpace estore. My newest book, No Rest for the Spirit and Other Ghostly Tales is also available in ebook at Barnes and Noble and in paperback at the CreateSpace estore.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

Blog: annierachelcole.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnieRachelCole

Web Page: www.annierachelcole.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnnieRachelCole

I also have an author’s webpage at Amazon and am a member of Goodreads.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

I’m used to juggling my writing time with my day job as a public school teacher. Now that I’ve thrown in marketing, it will be an interesting mix. I know it will be a challenge to balance everything, but then things worth doing tend to be difficult. If it’s easy, why do it?

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

Don’t give up on your dream. Study your craft. Start a blog and write to begin building an audience. And remember, as much as you enjoy the creative process of writing, publishing what you write is a job.

What’s next for you?

I’m writing the second novel in the Children of Atlantis series. The story picks up just a few weeks after Guardian of Atlantis ends. My goal is to have this book out around the beginning of the new year, and I have an idea for the third book. I’m also working on outlining a trilogy called Fire and Ice. The outline for the first book is almost complete. This trilogy is about a girl who discovers who and what she really is as she learns the truth about fairytales and the Fae. I also have an outline ready for a book about a boy and the problems he has with zombies when one of his ideas goes from bad to really bad.

New #VAMPIRE Release: THE SILVER CROSS

Want to sink your teeth into a new vampire story? Why not give THE SILVER CROSS, Book 1 in the "Vampire Nightlife" series a try?

Book Blurb:
There are two things Boston detective Lacey Gardner knows about killing vampires. Slicing off a head or a hit directly to the heart are the only surefire ways to kill one. Silver is their Achilles heel. A vampire never wears silver.

When she meets bartender extraordinaire, Damon Harte, her heart does a quickstep for the dark hunky guy. She's learned the hard way that having a love interest in her line of work can be heart-wrenching. She's kept to herself for years, but something about Damon captivates her and draws her to him. When she learns Damon's devastating secret, she knows what she has to do: kill the man who has stolen her heart.

Buy links:

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-silver-cross-debra-l-martin/1112922521
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/237353  
Coming soon to the ibookstore and Kobo books.

Amazon:

Interview with Jade Kerrion + Giveaway

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

PERFECTION UNLEASHED is a dystopian/science-fiction novel that offers a “fascinating and compelling view” into a possible future.

The Genetic Revolution has transformed the world, giving rise to human derivatives—clones, in-vitros, and mutants—that are arguably better than humans. Toss Galahad, the “perfect” human being, into the mix, and the volatile environment explodes.

PERFECTION UNLEASHED is loaded with fast-paced action and character growth—it is a journey of self-discovery for Danyael Sabre, an alpha empath, who learns that he was used as Galahad’s physical template—but underlying the novel are questions that society has wrestled with for centuries. What does equality mean in the face of unequal talents? How does society deal with people who are different from the norm? What does “perfection” in a human being really mean?

How are your story ideas born?

From movies in my mind! Several reviewers of PERFECTION UNLEASHED have enjoyed its highly visual scenes and compared the novel to an action movie, anime, and graphic novel. Their feedback thrilled me because that’s actually what happens behind the scenes. I describe and write the movie I see in my mind. As the movie’s director and producer (and scriptwriter), I manage all elements of the story—its pace, its perspectives and points of view, when and where tension crests, and of course, its characters. I’ve found that thinking about the novel as a movie helps eliminate the slow scenes or interludes that some authors tend to write into the novels but that two-hour movies on a tight budget cannot afford to do. When I watch my mental movie, I’ll sometimes think, “I need a cut scene there,” or “That scene doesn’t work. It needs something…else.” And that’s how story ideas are born: What do I need to do to make this movie in my mind a tension-packed blockbuster?

Do you have a favorite line or scene from your latest release?

In a pivotal scene, Jason Rakehell, president of Purest Human (a pro-humanist organization), points a handgun at Galahad, the perfect human being, and Danyael Sabre, the physical template for Galahad. Jason then demands that his father, Roland Rakehell and creator of Galahad, to choose between Galahad and Danyael. The issue isn’t that Roland can’t tell Galahad and Danyael apart—he can. The question is whether Roland will choose his precious creation, Galahad, over Danyael Sabre, the son whom he believed died many years prior…

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

For a few months, I dabbled with the traditional publication process (querying agents, etc.) Three agents were intrigued enough to ask for the full manuscript. Two eventually turned it down. The third one has probably not read it yet (and I sent it to her in September 2011.) Enough said. Time doesn’t stand still while the wheels of traditional publishing slowly turn. I researched my options in self-publication and found that Amazon (and its subsidiaries, Createspace and Kindle Direct Publishing) have really made the publication effort as seamless and easy as humanly possible. Furthermore, Amazon is the gorilla in the room and the largest single generator of sales for most self-published novels. For me, Amazon was the natural choice.

What is your writing process?

I can usually complete a first draft in three months. I don’t work off a detailed outline but I typically have a sense of the overall story, the large arcs and plotlines, before I start. I also know where I want the story to end up. Once the first draft is done, I turn it over to my husband, my most trusted beta reader, to tell me what doesn’t work. With his input, I typically get to a second draft by the fourth month. From there, I start self-editing for sentence flow, missing punctuation, style, etc. Other beta readers typically get a third draft, which is the same version I send to my editor.

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

Yes, I do. I work with Bobbie Christmas from Zebra Communications. She is expensive, but I’ve learned so much from working through her edits. With her help, my style has improved tremendously between PERFECTION UNLEASHED and PERFECT WEAPON (Book 3). I’m planning to send PERFECT WEAPON to her shortly for editing, and I hope it will come back much less red than PERFECTION UNLEASHED did… J

What have you learned during your self-publishing journey?

Anyone can self-publish, but it is best suited for the organized control-freak (like me.) To actually have a successful, self-published novel that is generating healthy sales, one must manage a dozen steps and myriad details that extend far beyond just having a completed manuscript. It’s a journey that fortunately offers many partners (e.g., Amazon, other authors, book bloggers.) It’s all about finding friends to accompany you down that (increasingly crowded) road.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

Oh, yes! I recently started getting active on Twitter. Has there ever been a larger killer of productive writing time than Twitter? (Even Facebook is a distant second.) I’m also busy with a blog tour for my September 2012 promotion of PERFECTION UNLEASHED. I try to carve out dedicated chunks of time for writing and marketing. I find that it doesn’t help to fluctuate between activities within a single hour. I get almost nothing done that way.

What’s next for you?

PERFECT BETRAYAL and PERFECT WEAPON, books two and three in the Double Helix series, will be released in late November 2012, and I’m planning a large promotional event in December to launch those novels. Meanwhile, I’m working on the next novels in the series, including a YA/crossover spin-off. You can check out my website here at: http://www.jadekerrion.com

Be sure to click on giveaway for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Joshua Johnson

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

The Cerberus Rebellion is a fantasy novel set in my Griffins & Gunpowder Universe. It is the first novel of a planned six in its series. The Griffins & Gunpowder Universe differs from traditional fantasy in that it's Gunpowder Fantasy. It blends traditional elements of Epic Fantasy with rifles and railroads without going into steampunk.

The Cerberus Rebellion tells the story of a rebellion that rips apart the nation of Ansgar. It follows four main characters who have different perspectives on the war and why it is being fought.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Not with The Cerberus Rebellion. This novel was planned and built from the ground-up with Self-Publishing in mind. I had previously submitted other works to agents but aside from one personalized note, all I got out of that was a stack of form rejections.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

I'm a new member of Scribophile which has already helped me in the short time that I've been there by pointing out some of the larger scale aspects of my writing that I need to improve on.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

Previous experience with the traditional publishing model was definitely one aspect. About 5 years ago I looked into self-publishing but that was back when you had to buy massive runs of your work and weren't sure that anyone would buy it anyways. With Amazon's KDP, after cover and editing there's no inventory to manage.

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

Absolutely. Nick over at Everything-Indie.com went over Cerberus several times, providing valuable feedback that I used to improve the novel.

What have you learned during your self-publishing journey?

Not everything goes according to plan; I expected to publish my novel in early September but thanks to a new laptop, I was able to get it on the market by the beginning of July.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

Right now, The Cerberus Rebellion is only available via Amazon because I'm enrolled in the KDP Select program. I intend to let it go for one more cycle in Select because I plan on having Book 2, The Hydra Offensive, available by the end of the year and want to use Cerberus as a springboard. I do have three short stories, The Gathering Storm, The Sithean Betrayal and The Red Dragon's Gold that are available on Kobo and Barnes & Noble.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

I have a blog at www.gunpowderfantasy.com and I'm a member of Guild of Dreams (fantasycollective.wordpress.com). I've very active on Twitter (@authorjkjohnson) and participate in about half a dozen forums to promote my work.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

I have a pretty set schedule where I write; I do a lot of on-the-go marketing via my smartphone and tablet

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

Keep writing. Like most everything else, you get better with practice and the more titles that you have on the shelf the more visibility you have.

What’s next for you?

I've got a novella set in the Griffins & Gunpowder universe sitting on the shelf, waiting for me to go back over it after a hold period. I'm currently working on the sequel to The Cerberus Rebellion: The Hydra Offensive.

Interview with Nicole Bradley

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

Wounded Heart is about Charity Parris going home after ending her five-year abusive marriage and losing her baby.  Once home she takes a position with her father's police force where she is partnered with her teenage crush, Josh Muldoon, and who is also her brother Brian's best friend. Sparks begin to fly between the two while they are working together to bring down a killer who has an obsession with Charity.

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Yes I did. I was originally with a publishing company, but found them not to be who I wanted to be with at the time.

How are your story ideas born?

I am a avid reader and I started reading Nora Roberts. Her first book I read was Night Shield and it sparked the idea of two officers working closely together and falling in love.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

At the moment I'm not. But would love to be a part of one.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

Discovering new and interesting things about my characters. I love when they decide to take the story in a different direction then I had in mind. 


What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

The idea that I would have total control over how my books were written and promoted where a big influence for me to self-publish.

What is your writing process?

I will sit down and write a rough draft of a story. Then I will go back and pick it apart and add or take out what doesn't flow with the story. I will then take it all and put it together into a final draft. And then hours and hours of editing.

How long did it take to write your latest release?

I believe it took me six months to write Wounded Heart.

Do you have a favorite line or scene from your latest release?

My favorite scene from Wounded Heart is when Charity shows up at Josh's apartment about two a.m wearing nothing but a leather jacket. She then strips it away and tells him she wants his hands on her.

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

No I didn't. My friend Sandy is my editor so to speak. She is my second pair of eyes.

Whats up next for you?

I am currently editing my second release Arrested Heart and hope to have it released by the first of the year.

Review: LIGHTBRINGER by Frankie Robertson

4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book during a free promotion. I've always loved books that deal with angels, demons and good vs. evil. This book seemed to promise all that and more from its description and I have to say it didn't disappoint.

Cassie Lewis is a psychic who sometimes gets visions from touching others, but they are not always good visions. When she accidentally bumps into Dave in a local restaurant, she is overwhelmed with a horrific vision of torture and murder. This sets into motion a series of events that will be deadly to Cassie if her "protector" Jared Price, can't save her. Cassie has a hard time believing Jared's story that he has been sent to "protect" her so she may fulfill some unknown destiny, but she has no problem getting intimate with the hunky guy. Turns out Jared is a celestial being sent to vanquish the evil that is stalking Cassie, but even he may not be enough to save her.

The characters are nicely flesh-out especially Cassie and Jared. The sizzle between those two is palpable and I would classify this story as more of an erotic romance or at the very least a very spicy one. Some of the scenes are more graphic than in a typical romance, but certainly nothing over the top.  The story moves along at a good pace between the action and the romance. It all happens in only 4 days, but what 4 days they are! I would have liked to have read more about Jared and his exile on Earth although there are snippets as to why that happened. Fans of sexy romances will certainly enjoy this book.

Interview with Lisa Rayns

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

Blog: http://lisarayns.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisarayns.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaRayns

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!

A DESTINED DEATH Book Description:
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:

Interview with Cara Marsi

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

My latest is a sexy romance novella, “Storm of Desire.” Here’s the blurb:

Corporate attorney Samantha Greco needs some peace and quiet to come to a decision about her career. Instead, while an icy nor’easter rages outside, she finds herself trapped in a cottage on Fenwick Island with Aiden Rourke, a man she used five years ago when she ran from the heartbreak of her fiancé’s betrayal.

Aiden Rourke has loved Sam for years. For one glorious night she was his. But then she fled, wounding his ego and his heart. Thrown together again, they soon discover time hasn’t diminished their fiery passion for each other. Only Aiden has ever been able to melt Sam with just a look or a touch. But the fear that she’s like her mother, who used men mercilessly, scares Sam to death.

The storm outside is nothing compared to the storm of desire, fear, and guilt raging inside Sam. But during their wild weekend together, Sam and Aiden draw closer and realize their all-consuming passion for each other masks deeper needs and desires. When the storm ends, will they go their separate ways? Or will they find the courage to face the future together as one?

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers? I’ve published several books with traditional publishers. I’ve got two books now with publishers: “Murder, Mi Amore,” with The Wild Rose Press and “Cursed Mates,” with Noble Romance Publishing. My first book, “A Catered Affair,” was published in hardback in 2003 by Avalon Books. I have the digital rights and published it under a new title “A Catered Romance.” I also added back the love scene I had to take out for Avalon.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?

A friend was having success with indie publishing and urged me to try it. But I was reluctant. I got the rights back to my romantic suspense, “Logan’s Redemption,” with The Wild Rose Press and submitted it to another epub that took previously published works. When they passed on it, I decided to self-publish. One of my best decisions ever. “Logan’s Redemption” has been my bestselling book. It’s a previous Amazon bestseller and has been in the top 100 suspense books on Apple. Once I indie published I was hooked and I’ve never looked back.

What is your writing process?

First I get the idea. It could be from a snippet of something that happened to me or someone I know. Or it could be something I saw in a movie or on TV. I like to write the type books I want to read. I mull over my idea for a while in what I call “pre-writing.” I develop the characters and plot in my head. Then I write out my character sketches in longhand in a spiral tablet and do a loose outline, also in longhand. I follow the outline at first, but then my characters take me on a different journey. As they’re usually right, I follow their lead.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing? Yes, I won’t put up any book that hasn’t been professionally edited. My terrific editor is Laura Kelly. She edited “Murder, Mi Amore,” which has finaled in two prestigious contests. I thought she did such a terrific job that I now hire her to edit all my indie books. One of my indie books that she edited, “Loving Or Nothing,” has also finaled in two prestigious contests.

What have you learned during your self-publishing journey?

I like having the control over my work. I like writing the books I love without worrying if the marketing department of a publisher will think the book is saleable. Readers are our consumers and they know what they want. I try to give the readers entertaining, heartwarming, sexy books with feisty, independent heroines and the hunky guys who love them.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

My books are available on BN, Smashwords and iTunes. “Storm of Desire” is available only at Amazon at this time. At a later date, it will be available on all other venues. My two books with publishers are available at Amazon, BN, and All Romance eBooks.

What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

I’m on Facebook and Twitter, but I try not to constantly promote on those sites. I like to engage readers and friends and talk about things other than my books. I belong to several Yahoo loops. I also guest blog whenever possible. I plan to start my own blog soon.

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

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Get your name out there. Participate in Yahoo loops for readers and writers, but don’t constantly promote. Let readers get to know you. It’s all about discoverability. The most important thing is: write the best books you can, and keep writing.

What’s next for you?

I’m writing a sequel to “Logan’s Redemption.” The sequel is titled, “Franco’s Fortune.” The hero is my heroine’s reformed playboy brother from “Logan’s Redemption.” A reader wanted Franco’s story so I’ve decided to write it. I’m having fun revisiting my characters from the earlier book.

Thank you for having me today.

Visit my website for excerpts from all my books and stories: www.caramarsi.com

Prologue or NO Prologue--What do you prefer?

The use of prologues have sparked many opinions—some authors swear by them, some say never use them.

What is the purpose of a prologue?

It’s a writing technique that allows authors to outline a complicated back-story that would otherwise bog down a chapter with flashbacks. It is also used as a tease introduction to hook the reader. You’ll find prologues used more in the fantasy and science fiction genre than any other genre.

This prologue serves to let the reader know up front that there are ancient ties between the planets of Otharia and Earth. It also gives hints about the origin of the Arthurian legends, the Lady of the Lake and the magician Merlin., at least, according to Dave and I. Here’s an example of the prologue used in QUEST FOR NOBILITY:

Prologue – Earth, 5^th Century AD

With bloody sword in hand, Reaver looked over the scene of the massacre.  It did not sit well with him, what he had done, but he was loyal to his commander.  The orders had been simple: kill them all, and so he had done his best.  Now, with most of the killing done, he had time to reflect.

May the gods have mercy on our souls.

***

The Telkur duty telekinetic looked up as the unauthorized portal started to form. He checked the coordinates and was shocked to see that the incoming portal was from the planet Earth. That off-world expedition was not due to check in for another month.

“What the...”

Before he could finish his sentence, two bloodied men staggered through the opening.

“We’ve been attacked,” the first man said. “All is lost.”

More men and women stumbled through the portal with varying degrees of battle wounds. The duty telekinetic was stunned. Earth was a primitive planet, but from all the previous indications, its people were peaceful.

Snapping out of his shock, he opened a comm link directly to the Duke of Telkur.

“Sire, we have trouble at the portal station. Some of the expedition members are back and are badly wounded.  Please come immediately and bring the healers.”

***

The gavel banged and the Master Clerk read the declaration.

“Let it be known that, from this day forward, off-world travel to the planet Earth is prohibited.”

Duke Rael Telkur sat unmoving in the Grand Council chamber room. The decree was final. There would be no more travel to Earth. He had lost a fortune financing the ill-fated expedition.  It had required four 10K crystals powering the portals to transport the hundred-plus explorers and their supplies.  Normally, a 10K crystal would provide a duchy with more than three years of local planetary travel.  But more importantly than the crystal expense, he had lost fifty loyal men and women to brutality.  Only five of his expedition team had made it back to Otharia, but they all subsequently died of their wounds.  The Vogdo team members had fared only slightly better; a mere ten of their men returned. 

Rael glanced down the table to where his partner in this venture, Duke Jaks Vogdo, sat stone-faced. There was nothing more to be done.

Jaks looked at Rael and nodded.  You naive fool, Rael.  If only you knew the truth.

Jak’s duchy was rich in crystal mines located within the Sharellian Mountains.  Everyone believed the crystal veins were bottomless, and the Vogdo family thought the same until the veins started to dry up.

Fate and fortune had shone favorably upon Jaks Vogdo when mineral-rich Earth was discovered. He eagerly agreed to form an alliance with Rael to explore this strange new world. They would share expenses for the exorbitant cost of off-world exploration and divide any potential riches evenly. 

At least that was the plan, but greed has a way of eliminating alliances even among friends. Blinded by unimaginable wealth, Jaks had no compunction about turning on his partner and ordering the massacre of the Telkur team members.

“The crystals must be shipped back here without a trace,” Jaks told his man on Earth.  “I’ll open the portal from Earth directly into my mines and transfer the foreign crystals unseen.  No one will ever know the truth.”

***

“I told you this would work,” Merlinius Telkur said.

His partner Vivienne shook her head at his boasting.  She hated this planet Earth.  They had been running for days from the Vogdo hunting party and she was at the end of her patience.  Their 10K traveling crystal was gone and they had no way to return to Otharia or even contact them to let them know what had transpired here.  There were so few of the Telkur expedition that had escaped the initial attack, and now they were stuck on this primitive planet. 

“Save your breath, Merlinius,” Vivienne shot back.  “Just concentrate on holding your shield until those bastards out there leave and we can get out of here.”

 “I know that,” Merlinis replied, exasperated at Vivienne’s curt command.  “You make sure your own shield holds.  If they detect our life signs, this ruse will be for nothing and we’ll have to run again.”

Vivienne sighed heavily.  At the moment, she didn’t know which was worse: Merlinius’ bravado, or being stranded on Earth with a band of Vogdo killers outside the cave hunting them.

When we began writing QUEST, we struggled with how to convey these hints without bogging down the story of royal twins, Darius and Dyla Telkur, and their struggle to hold onto their duchy when they are accused of murder. There had to be a reason that the twins would flee to Earth and this served that purpose because in less than 900 words, it put the link between Earth and Otharia in the reader's minds from the beginning of the story. 

We ended up using two options to convey information to the reader and keeping the story moving. We opted for a prologue and also at the beginning of each chapter, set down the rules from the Chronicles of Otharia. This informed the reader about the history of Otharia rule without slowing down the story. Here’s an example:

Excerpt from the Chronicles of Otharia during the reign of the First Vacancy:

Division I – The Rule of Otharia

Subsection I – The Kingdom

The planet of Otharia has two major landmasses and multiple island chains.  The larger of the two continents is referred to as the Kingdom of Otharia, though there hasn’t been a reigning king in over a thousand years.  The kingdom is subdivided into a number of duchies, each ruled by a royal family and a seated duke or duchess.  The duchies vary in size, but their wealth is dependant on the natural resources of the region and the ingenuity of the reigning duke.  The smaller continent is ruled by multiple clans of gypsies, who broke from the Kingdom at the death of the last King.

So what about you? Have you used prologues in your books? Do you like them or do you think they are unnecessary?