Category: Writer Interviews

Interview with W.D. Burns

Quan

I pay my bills as a Freelance Graphic Designer. Many of my clients are authors looking to put together, publish or and/or promote their books. Mr. Burns is one such client. I worked with him to produce his crime fiction trilogy The Wee Hours, along with an as yet unpublished trilogy based on his life story. This is an interview with him about his writing process.

What inspires your writing?

I started writing poems when I was in my early twenties, then I wrote a short story and submitted it to Readers Digest. It wasn’t accepted. In 1991 I began writing my life story which was originally titled G-Money. In the mid 70’s I was accused of being responsible for 23 bank robberies on the Eastern Seaboard – from Maine to Florida. The “G” stood for government money. I later made my life story a trilogy and titled it Some Kind of Crook. The Wee Hours was a creative and fun trilogy based on my growing up on the mean streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It’s a mixture of well known after hour clubs, actual places, and characters that I created.

What is your process of developing characters?

When I create a character (male or female) it’s important the reader has a mental vision of the persons size, color hair, age, and most important “personality.” For instance, Nicole Redman was was your typical single mother raising her daughter in the suburbs of Glen Burnie, Maryland in the quiet neighborhood of Blossom Hills when her daughter was killed by a hit and run driver while playing hopscotch in the street. The raw emotions and the changes that a desperate Nicole goes through in search of her daughter’s killer is heart wrenching.

What was the earliest inspiration for you to write The Wee Hours?

I started the Wee Hours in a house in Blossom Hills, 108 Dupont Ave. That was my parents house when I was 8-9 years old. A young boy was killed while riding his bicycle when he was struck by a car that came over the hill. I made “the story” starting from that point.

Did you draw on personal experience? How much of it did you use?

Much of my books are based on my life experience. Dominic “Crowbar” Coroza was tried and acquitted for taking a prostitute out of the Wee Hours and killing her, but Stormy is a name that I created. I once owned three lots on Great Exuma in the Bahamas. John Leder’s island, Norman’s Cay, was 15 miles away.

How did you publish?

I published my books through Createspace (a division of Amazon) and Barnes and Nobles with a publishing company I started with my devoted wife Bonnie (Mega House Publications). My life story Some Kind of Crook is not available at this time.

Why did you do it that way?

I found that some Mills (book publishers) were only interested in printing books and offered to print my books at a cost to me, depending on how many copies I purchased. While other publishers only wanted to offer 6-8% royalties. By opening my own company my royalty is closer to 40%.

Who did your cover and marketing?

J. D. Williams typeset my books, created the book covers, and acted as my agent putting the books on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. His services are extremely reasonable and he also offers bar codes, ISBN numbers, and proof reading.

How many revisions did it take before your book was ready to publish?

I revised my books three times. As a first time writer I made novice mistakes.

There are four seasons and your story has to take that into consideration. The Wee Hours begins in 1968. Dancers didn’t wear g-strings, there were no cell phones, no Ponderosa Steak Houses, and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken came with mash potatoes and gravy, Cole slaw, and rolls. Interstate I-75 wasn’t built and 9-1-1 hadn’t been thought of….although I used it thinking my readers would probably never notice.

How important was it to tie important historical people like Pablo Escobar into the story?

If you want your story to be believable include names with your characters that people can relate to such asJohn Leder and Pablo Escobar. I made up names of biker clubs rather than risk offending them. But in some instances most of my readers will know which biker club I’m referencing in real life. For instance, there was only one club known for making Crank (Crystal Meth) in a cabin in Pennsylvania.

What are you writing now?

My name is William Burns #189577. I am serving a Life sentence in Michigan for an arson that I did not commit. Twenty-one years ago I turned down plea offers of 10 years, 5 years, and 2 years with credit for 6 months served. The M.D.O.C. has placed all of my books on the restricted list and I have filed a Civil Complaint in federal court listing nine (9) M.D.O.C. employees. At this time, I am no longer writing. I welcome and will promptly respond to emails sent through JPay.

What is your advice to other writers?

My advice to anyone thinking about writing a book is that if you think you can’t – you are probably right. There are more negative influences than positive ones. Think positive! You can do it – I did. Set realistic goals. Write ONE chapter, then do another. Never make a chapter more than 15-20 pages! And try to plan ahead. Always leave the reader ‘wanting’ to read the next chapter. Write it as though it’s a Soap Opera. As you create a character write down his/her description, age, birthplace and date, siblings and their ages for future reference. As the years in your book progress remember that your characters age too. Being in prison allowed me to write one chapter a day. Never go backwards! Edit and make changes after the story is written. Good luck!

Be Sure to check out W.D.’s debut novel, The Wee Hours, at the link below!

Interview with Gloria Redding

Quan

As a freelance graphic designer, I’ve had the opportunity to typest and create book covers for many talented authors. I have also handled the branding and marketing of their books and any ventures tite to them. Gloria Redding came to me with her book already published, but needing help with marketing and promotion. She is an awesome counselor, public speaker and life coach and her book “Generating Learning Opportunities: Family Values with Actions That Lead to Academic Achievements” Offers a unique approach to enhancing a child’s education. Visit her website at www.glolearning.com for information on other services she offers.

What inspired your book?

Throughout my life I gleaned something special from my educational and personal experience that wasn’t found in a textbook. I discovered a priceless connection between family values, actions, and academic achievement that was a constant reminder that I must generate learning opportunities.

Did you start with an outline or did you make it up as you went along?

My masters thesis was the foundation of my book and from there I began to journal. I then moved on to as system called times writing in which I expanded my thoughts with prompts. At this point I developed an outline as my guide to writing my book.

What researching methods did you use?

I combined several research methods.

Observation (participant observation)
Surveys
Interviews
Focus Groups

Did you draw on personal experience?

Yes and I candidly offers perspectives and strategies from my life journey, personal parenting, academic endeavors, and professional career.

How did your publish?

I began with using an assisted self-publishing company. I needed additional support and hired a literary consult that offered support.

Why did you do it that way?

This company offers a variety of support services.

How long did it take to land representation?

It took several months

Who did your cover and marketing?

The self-publishing company

How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?

There were approximately twenty revisions to my original manuscript.

What is the ratio of time you spent researching to time you spent writing?

30% researching and 70 % writing

How did you make time to write?

I had to schedule my writing like any other appointment. I was also a night writer.

How does your published book enhance your other ventures?

My book is a product that I offer for my consulting, training/speaking business.

What methods did you use to research for your book?

Personal experience, books, personal interviews and yes – google.

Who are the people that would benefit the most from reading your book, and how did you determine that?

Parents, educators, and community members working with children because children require team support.

How did you decide what order to present your topics in?

It was a natural flow of life events.

How did you ensure that your advice, memories, and recollections were accurate?

Much of the book is based on my personal life experience, however I did check with my four sibling and family members for accuracy. At The Ohio State University, I earned a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) in Human Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. I was acknowledged as National Council of Family Relations Emeritus. I stay current of new family relations and human development trends and strategies.

What would you like your readers to gain from reading your book?

The goal of this book is to help guide families, parents, caregivers, educators, and communities through practical and relevant tips toward building strong foundations that result in phenomenal life outcomes

What are you writing now?

I am working on a workbook to accompany my Generating Learning Opportunities book.

What is your advice to other writers?

Find out what works best for you to compete your writing goals. May your destiny always lead toward Generating Learning Opportunities. Use my book as a guide and example that with God anything is possible.

Be sure to check out her book “Generating Learning Opportunities: Family Values with Actions That Lead to Academic Achievement”

Interview with Lisa Robbin

Quan

Lisa Robbin is one of many multi-talented classmates I had the pleasure of working with during my formative years. She is an accomplished singer, actress and author, and now works as a marketing coach for creative-types. One of these days I’d like to hire her myself to help me sell more books and get more people to read this blog. In the meantime, here are her thoughts on writing her two most recent books.

What inspired your book?

I have two books. This first (a business parable) was inspired by an encounter on an airplane. A woman told me I was going to write a book called “The Secret Watch” and by the end of the flight, I had the entire book outlined. My second book was the direct result of 20 years of working with creative entrepreneurs. It outlines my approach for helping creatives make good money doing what they love.

Did you start with an outline or did you make it up as you went along?

Both books started with an outline, though the second book had a much richer outline.

What researching methods did you use?

Google is my friend. For terms, definitions, and fact checking, I looked to the Internet for confirmation. For my second book, I also used personal interviews with experts and case studies from my clients.

Did you draw on personal experience?

My first book is less autobiographical, though it does draw on some personal situations that are more universal in appeal. The second book draws heavily on my own personal experiences as a business coach for creative entrepreneurs.

How did your publish?

I opted to self-publish both books. My brand is about not waiting to be picked, and the lead time for a high-quality, traditionally published book is easily a year or more. I didn’t want to wait that long to get my content to market, plus, I wanted to actually make some money on the book. New authors rarely get a large advance, and the royalty checks are a fraction of the cover price. Self-publishing gave me complete control over the entire process – and a larger share of the revenue.

Who did your cover and marketing?

I hired cover designers for both books, but when it comes to interior, I didn’t know what I didn’t know on the first book. I highly recommend Tracy Lay at DigivisualDesign.com for book cover (and interior layout). I did my own interior on the first book and it shows. My second book is SO much better because I hired a designer that does great work on the cover and the guts.

Because I am in the marketing business, I’ve done my own marketing, which has its pros and cons. Being so close to the work, it can be a challenge to promote the books frequently enough with my audience. And doing it myself means less reach. I built a street team to help me launch both books, but all ongoing marketing efforts are my own. And that’s something pretty common in publishing these days. IF you can get a publisher to pick up your book, they’re still going to expect you to help do some of the outreach and marketing.

How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?

My first book had about 13 revisions, because I worked with a professional editor. My second book had 4 revisions before we went to press. Even still, I managed to find a couple of things to fix after publishing.

What is the ratio of time you spent researching to time you spent writing?

I write first (a LOT) and then research the points I’m making, so maybe 1 hour of research for every 10-12 hours of writing. But my books aren’t research-driven. I would expect a technical or historical book to require much more research time.

 How did you make time to write?

I have a saying: if it’s not scheduled, it’s stressful. I allotted twice as much time as I figured I’d need to write the books and put it in my calendar as writing time. If I don’t put it in my calendar, it simply doesn’t get done.

How does your published book enhance your other ventures?

My books are the foundation of my speaking and training platforms. I sell them at conferences and events, and use them as content for my courses. My first book also became the foundation for a new coaching card deck (merch) that I created.

What methods did you use to research for your book?

Interviews and google. I also developed an assessment that has been taken by thousands of people over the past 3 years. 

Who are the people that would benefit the most from reading your book, and how did you determine that?

My audience is creative entrepreneurs. Each book serves a different segment of that audience. The Secret Watch is more inspirational in nature, while Creative Freedom is a step-by-step how to for people serious about growing their creative career in a way that works for them.

How did you decide what order to present your topics in?

Narrative non-fiction lends itself to a classic storytelling flow, so for The Secret Watch I started with the conflict and unravelled the story to the resolution at the end. Creative Freedom, being a how-to book needed to start with some context before jumping into the nitty gritty. Then, it was a matter of taking readers through the same process I use with my clients.

How did you ensure that your advice, memories, and recollections were accurate?

Fact checking, looking back over recorded conversations, transcripts, and verifying the results of my clients for the past 20 years.

What would you like your readers to gain from reading your book?

All my books are written to inspire and encourage creatives to do what they most love and stay the course on their dreams… and hopefully make some good money in the process.

What are you writing now?

I’m currently working on the follow-up book to Creative Freedom which focuses on taking a creative from profitability into a six or seven figure career doing what they love.

What is your advice to other writers?

Write because you can’t NOT do it. Don’t write for the money. The money doesn’t usually come straight away…. at least, not from the book. It comes from the following you create and the Raving Fans that you develop as you write. Build relationships as you write, and don’t stop writing. Even when things seem hard or weird, make sure you take time to get at least a few word down. Those words add up to big ideas over time. 

And don’t try to do everything yourself. Don’t write in a vacuum. Talk to people you trust. Hire an editor or a designer. Pass off all the stuff that takes you out of your zone of genius as soon as practical. You may not be able to hire out everything, but do what you can to take the pressure off yourself to do everything to bring the book to market. Don’t be afraid to start smaller than you’d like, either. Most of us aren’t ready to win the Pulitzer Prize with our first book. That’s okay. Keep writing. Don’t stop writing.

Be sure to get your copy of Lisa’s book “Creative Freedom: How to Own Your Dreams Without Selling Your Soul: A guide to personal and financial success as a creative entrepreneur”now!

Interview With Cynthia DeVese

Quan

Cynthia is an educator and public speaker, who also happens to be one of my former graphic design clients. I initially helped her promote her book Coaching Your Child To Academic Success. Here are her insights into how she wrote the book.

What inspired your book? 

With my career being in education, I have been asked the same few questions:  “How do I get my kid into college?’  What do we need to do to secure college scholarships.”  “How do I get my student on track for college?”  etc.   With that in mind, I began to journal my thoughts of the experience my husband and I were providing for our children – when they were in elementary school and  throughout their high school years.  I figured this could be a road map for other parents that would help them along their journey.  My true inspiration came from the parents and students who had no idea what to do next or how to become college and career ready.

 Did you start with an outline or did you make it up as you went along?  

I started with the journal and then I created an outline which detailed the order and follow of the chapters.

What researching methods did you use?  

I wanted the book to be an easy read for families who did not read often.  I researched authors who had written similar books and had a focus on college readiness along with educators who studied parent and community engagement which is important in the work of college and career readiness for students.  I also used my families personal experiences to shed light on how we supported our own children through the educational process – that to me was the best research I could share and it has proven to be most valuable for my readers.

Did you draw on personal experience?

Funny you asked, because that was a huge part of my research, the book, and the value that people have come to love about the book.  So many have commented that they feel connected to the stories in the book and how I share them with the educational aspect and points I needed to make.

How did your publish? 

I self published.  I did have a publishing consultant to help with the format, edits, and set-up.  The consultant was a local woman that I met through an associate who had self-published as well. 

Why did you do it that way? 

I chose to self-publish for several reasons. First, I didn’t want to experience the long drawn out process of finding a publisher and edits that could be brutal.  I wanted to share my story and how I saw the experience.  Secondly, I did not want to give most of the royalties to a publishing company…I wanted to keep the money to reinvest in my work. Finally, why not!  I had the vision, the knowledge, and the determination to move the project to fruition. It worked for me.

Who did your cover and marketing?  

I had a young man from my hometown create the cover.  I designed it and created a workable version of my vision.

Marketing has been all me.  

 How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?  

I would say about three.  I created a draft copy of the manuscript to have a few people read over for edits before I hired the publishing consultant.  So, when the consultant received it – the draft was fairly set.  The consultant took the draft and we created layout that I approved of along with a few more edits.  We sent it in to get a few draft hard copies which I requested a few more people read for edits…and then I was set to publish.  Remember, I’m an educator and the people I enlisted to edit were all educators – some with PhD’s, so I had a pretty good support team that volunteered to help me edit the manuscript.

What is the ratio of time you spent researching to time you spent writing?  

I truly can’t give you a definite answer. All I can say is doing your research is very important.

How did you make time to write? 

When I first began, it was more like journaling.  I would write my thoughts in notebooks, on pieces of paper and then file them away.  When my children were young, I attended a lot of sporting events, rehearsals, etc where I would just sit and wait – which gave me time to journal and write.  Once the children were older, I had more time during the evening hours so that became my writing time after work, dinner, and family responsibilities.

How does your published book enhance your other ventures? 

It’s an amazing add on.  I love to speak and provide workshops/trainings- so the book is a great entry way into certain venues.  I heard someone say that a book is your business card ….I can agree with that.  

What methods did you use to research for your book? 

I mostly googled authors, educators in the same field.  I purchased their books and took note on how their writing style, their book cover, I also looked at their reference and used those that would benefit me and my work.  My book is a personal and family story, so a lot of what is in the book is our true family experience.

Who are the people that would benefit the most from reading your book, and how did you determine that? 

Parents, guardians, family members, educators, and students interested in college and career readiness for students K-12 grade.  I knew that my book would focus on preparing students of all ages for college and careers.   I’m an educator with most of my professional work years in higher education, so I can share the work I do without much effort.  I have the education, experience and life knowledge about helping get students college ready.  I have personally helped thousands of students as well as my own children with the process and to get over $200K scholarships.  I know this audience very well.

 How did you decide what order to present your topics in? 

Education for children begins in the womb.  So, I knew if I wanted to help parents be successful at helping their children be ready for college…i would need to start as early as Pre-K.  So, this is how I decided to present the topics in order of grade level and what is needed at each stage of the educational process. 

How did you ensure that your advice, memories, and recollections were accurate? 

I self-published which allowed me the integrity of my words and my stories.  When others were editing, I could provide clarity and choose whether or not I wanted to accept their recommendations or not.

 What would you like your readers to gain from reading your book? 

 A better understanding of how to support, advocate and coach their children to academic success.  

 What are you writing now? 

I am in the process of writing a book/workbook on achieving equity in schools.

What is your advice to other writers?  

Do what makes you feel best.  Not everyone is comfortable with the route I took.  I did most of the work myself.  I did not spend a lot of money to produce my book, but it is a high quality product.  Do your research, be thorough and take the time to make sure you have all the necessary components of a well written book.  If you decide to self-publish make sure you have several people help to edit the book.  I would recommend hiring a consultant to proof/edit your manuscript and to help with the design and layout – if you have never done it before.  Be careful to not overpay…get a few estimates or work with someone you know who has self-published before.  Good Luck and happy writing!

Be sure to get your copy of Cynthia’s book, “Coaching Your Child to Academic Success”!

Interview with Anne Zoelle

Quan

Anne Zoelle is an old friend and classmate of mine from waaaay back in Elementary school. Her mother was actually our fifth grade English teacher, and one of the first to truly encourage my creative writing. Anne herself has gone on to build a nice name for herself as a writer, first in the realm of historical romance under the pen name Anne Mallory, and now as a fantasy writer.

What inspires your writing?

Challenges! I like to do things I haven’t done before, or explore craft pieces I haven’t tried in depth. These don’t have to be big challenges—it can be writing a book with the aim to make the reader feel as trapped as the main character, or writing a book in first person for the first time, or writing an entire (long!) series in one single POV, or writing three books all at the same time, or writing two separate stories that get weaved together, or redeeming a character who has done terrible things and doesn’t regret them.

So I try to ask myself with each new project—what writing craft can I explore that I may have only skimmed before? I find this very invigorating, and it keeps writing exciting.

What is your process for developing characters?

I write a lot of scene snippets to get the feel for characters. Most of the snippets have to do with emotional arcs and turmoil—focusing on what is holding a character back, why they think that way, terrible internal thoughts about their past, etc. Snippets usually consist of  5-10 lines of dialogue between characters or the internal thoughts of just one.

I don’t have any set process for starting, but I will bop between writing aides early in the brainstorming process as I’m figuring things out (I love reading craft books). I tend to start with character motivation/flaw/ghost elements, then write a few scene snippets, then start a character profile, then write more snippets, then start a Story Engineering spreadsheet, then a few more snippets and maybe even a few entire scenes, then go back to internal elements trying to match and find conflict between characters and characteristics, then I might write more in the spreadsheet, maybe develop a few more snippets, then start writing in earnest.

Development varies by project, but I do whatever it takes to get to know the characters in the story. They are always my primary concern, even when I could write a million words about the world around them.

How much time do you put into your worldbuilding before you start writing…or do you just make up elements of your worlds as you go along?

I do a lot of the big picture building before I start, but I build out a TON of the more intimate world details as I write the first few chapters. The way I write/revise lends itself to creating the big stuff first, then building out the smaller world elements as I go—littering future snippets in side documents as a sort of loose scene outline.

The main world, theme, and ending elements are thought through before I start the first page, and I often do discovery chapters or scenes to investigate characters and possibilities. Discovery scenes may or may not make it into the final book. I have hundreds of thousands of words in scenes and snippets that didn’t make it into my five book series. I try to think of those words as research instead of waste. I definitely write more than what ends up in my final draft.

Do you start with a story outline or do you make it up as you go along?

I do a little of both. From the first bout of brainstorming, I start with the characters and a base world or “world nugget.” Next I figure out the ending of the story based on the character development referenced above, as well as a few key emotional turning points. From those things, I start to build outward. A little world, a little motivation, a little more world, maybe a first chapter, more filling of an outline, maybe a turning point, a written snippet of emotional angst, a little more world, a bit of a black moment, dialogue from the ending, etc.

While writing Chapter 1 and 2 everything is fluid and subject to change. By the end of Chapter 3, I have usually written an outline of emotional snippets that become an actual guide for the book—and they stay pretty static. For me, the first quarter of a book takes longer than the rest because of this.

Actual plot (what is Point A, where do they go, how do they get to Point B, how do they find Thing C…) tends to develop as I write. At the beginning, I don’t need to know they go to the Prime Widget Shop to buy widgets unless someone has an emotional issue with widgets and that needs to be shown on the page. So I write the head, build out the skeleton, then start crafting the monster as I work my way through.

There’s a famous bit about how everyone outlines—some people just do it as a first draft.  🙂 Whether you write a whole first draft, a 90 page outline, or anything on the spectrum between, writers are doing some form of discovery in their first phase of a book.

How many revisions does it take to get a publishable book?

For my first 5 or so books, I went through around three personal drafts—the kind where you write to the end then rip everything apart and cobble it all back together. I found it really hard to stay motivated the further in the process I’d get, though. It was like ripping out nails to sit at my keyboard when I was tearing apart a completed but flawed project.

I started doing more backtracking as I wrote (editing large swaths before creating new chapters) and decreased the drafts where I had to tear anything apart. Then I started writing fantasy and I had this huge world that I had to keep track of and I began backtracking like mad.

Now, I revise as I go as a matter of course. That usually looks something like this—write 1st chapter, revise chapter, write 2nd and 3rd chapters, revise first 2 chapters. Write 4th chapter, revise first four chapters. Add a few more lines to the outline. Write 5th and 6th chapters, revise everything. Figure out the midpoint scenery in order to start writing to that element. Write to the midpoint. Take a look at everything, edit where needed, then write like mad to the end (stopping every 4 or so chapters to edit the last few–usually combined with sticking points).

This process takes longer, but I stay excited, and when I get to the last page in the book, I’m ready to send it to an editor that same day. There’s no going back to rip anything apart, because I already did that in smaller waves. I think it keeps my books more streamlined, but it DOES take longer, which can be a huge deficit to anyone looking to finish faster.

Ripping through a large mess makes me want to turn off my computer, but I know my process would cause others to shudder. Definitely find what works for you. Find out what gets you into your writing chair. What makes you excited? How can you get that excitement to overflow or overtake the things you dread? Keep track of what makes you excited to get in your chair and what makes you dread it. Try to figure out a process that sinks the scale to the former.  🙂

How much research do you need for your stories?

It depends on the story. Sometimes I have to dive deep into steam engines, how ballpoint pens were invented, or ancient sites and what could be buried there. But sometimes I’m writing a world I already know pretty well—so less of the research “grind” is required. Still, there’s always something to look up.  🙂

What researching methods do you use?

I have a stable of research books collected over the years, but I still find myself online first. I usually do a general Google search, then I go to Wikipedia for their overview, citations, and links (the “See Also” links can be a treasure trove). Then I’m either back to Google to look at scans from historical primary sources, Google Scholar, or Google Maps—or I’m off to museum websites, libraries, books, etc.

Museum websites are usually chock full of interesting articles and tidbits, and I highly recommend both idle and focused browsing through them—it can spark some great ideas.

Do you draw on personal experience?

I draw on personal experience for some character details or interactions, but because of the genres I write in, I either have to check secondary sources and historical accounts or I get to make up fun things like how magic works (I have no personal experience casting duplication spells that allow a duplicate me to weed the yard at the same time I’m finishing a book, alas).

Writing about the human condition is always at least a little personal, but reaching past personal experiences to try and figure out how someone else thinks is a journey that is continuously fascinating.

How did you publish?

I first published traditionally. I entered a contest and my editor was one of the judges. She contacted me as a result of reading my book through the contest.

I published 11 books with HarperCollins, then decided to hop on the new, fun train of indie/self publishing.

Why did you do it that way?

When I started, traditional publishing was the main avenue for getting books in readers’ hands. I enjoyed my years with HarperCollins very much. But by 2011, self-publishing was providing higher incomes for genre authors who were not in lead/marquee traditional slots. Since I was looking for a change in what I wrote (historical to fantasy), it was a great time to try a new road.

How long did it take to land representation?

I negotiated the first two book contracts with HarperCollins myself, then hired an agent on the third.

Who did your indie covers and marketing?

Damonza.com did five of my covers and I did three. For the new series out in the fall, an artist is creating cover illustrations that I am very excited about. As soon as she is done, and indicates whether she’s open to more book projects (this is her first), I’ll plaster her name everywhere for people to contact. She’s fantastic to work with.

I do my own marketing.

How much forethought did you put into your spinoff and follow-up novels?

A lot! They had to match the first book and build on the world and characters. But, I will say that sequel novels with the same characters automatically get you past the “who are they” questions and discovery and into the “who are they striving to be in this next step” or “what is driving them now” queries. So there’s both more and less required.

What are you writing now?

I’m writing a three book series set in an alternative (magical) Persian Empire that I plan to release back-to-back in the fall. Writing the whole series at the same time has been invigorating, and there’s a good chance I’ll try it again with the next series.

What is your advice to other writers?

Find what makes you excited!

Develop coping strategies for whatever your regular “holdup” is. We all have them! There’s a reason writer’s block is so famous.

For me, writer’s block usually means I have a problem in the story that my brain won’t let me move past, but that my brain is too tired/overwhelmed/stressed/lazy to point out concretely. Rereading my WIP or reading craft articles are two ways that have worked to boot me out of a block even when I’d rather play video games. So if I keep avoiding my computer chair? Maybe I read a craft article instead. Or take a small worldbuilding item and work through it. Something usually shakes loose or at least makes me think about a different part of the story.

But sometimes we just need more sleep or self care! So take time for you, too.

Be sure to get your copy of Anne’s latest book, “The Destiny of Ren Crown” and check out the rest of the books in the Ren Crown series!

Interview with Konrad Cowell and Jaylenne Austin

Quan

The interesting thing about Konrad Cowell is that he was incarcerated when he first hired me to typeset and design some books he was looking to publish. The former drug dealer turned motivational speaker had me help him publish his autobiography and upon his release, partnered with Jaylenne Austin to launch a new publishing company. This interview covers their debut erotic urban novel, Desires of the Flesh.

What inspires your writing?

KONRAD: Life.

JAYLENNE: I’ve always loved to read. I will read almost anything but my favorite genre has always been fantasy. But there was always something missing. Then I realized that I was missing. Not me, but people who look like me. Many of my favorite books are less than diverse. And if there are people of color, they are not main characters. So, I just wanted to see “me” in a fantasy novel.

What is your process of developing characters?

KONRAD: I meditate about people with various life situations and envision how they respond to them. I start with a storyline and structure the dialogue with the characters within it.

JAYLENNE: Honestly there is no process, my characters are like real people. They have their own personalities and I’m still getting to know them myself.

Did you start with a story outline or did you make it up as you went along?

JAYLENNE: Free style. Outlines kill the process for me.

How much research did you do for Desires of The Flesh?

KONRAD: Even though the book is considered an erotic novel, it has a religious overtone to it. I’ve been involved with Church protocol for over 25 years, so I was privy to the culture. Also, a lot of my research for this story was based on personal knowledge. Including, the sex.

JAYLENNE: Many, many hours. I had to research everything because the best fiction is grounded in reality.

What researching methods did you use?

JAYLENNE: Internet.

Did you draw on personal experience?

JAYLENNE: No, lol. My life is not nearly that interesting.

How did you publish?

KONRAD: I self published. My reason for doing this was to cut out the middle man. That’s what most publishing companies are. Many take advantage of new authors offering them literally pennies for their work. I was willing to take on the challenge of starting my own publishing company, King Jewel Publications, and marketing my own work. That was really a challenge due to the fact I started this venture while incarcerated.

JAYLENNE: When we co-founded King Jewel we did it with the intention of giving marginalized populations a platform where they could express their creativity. As a Black woman, I am a member of that population, so King Jewel was the obvious choice.

How long did it take for you to get representation?

KONRAD: I’m still doing this without representation. It’s just me and my business partner, Jaylenne Austin.

Who did your cover and marketing?

KONRAD: J.D. Williams of JQW Graphics laid out all my graphics, including website design.

JAYLENNE: We are still sourcing marketing options.

How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?

JAYLENNE: Desires only took three.

KONRAD: It took about 3 revisions before we were ready to release Desires of The Flesh. However, most authors are never fully satisfied with their artistic literature. They always feel there’s something more they could’ve added or changed. That’s the life of a writer.

Why is corruption in the Church something you chose to write about?

KONRAD: There’s has been a number of well known prominent pastors who have been caught up in all types of sexual indiscretions. I wanted to paint a picture to the public one example of some people in the church struggling with these indiscretions. At the end of the day ministers and pastors are human, and have human urges like anyone else. People need to think about that before they start judging.

What are you writing now?

KONRAD: Currently, I’m writing a screenplay called, “Pharaohs of Egypt.” It’s a dramatic TV series based on ancient Pharaohs.

JAYLENNE: My current labor of love, Lightning Strikes, will lbe available at kingjewelbooks.com in July.

What is your advice to other authors?

KONRAD: Challenge your creativity, be true to who you are in your writing, and live your dreams.

JAYLENNE: Write what you love.

Be sure to get your copy of the debut novel from Konrad & Jaylenne, Desires of the Flesh!

Interview with Malcolm Harris

Quan

Another accomplished and talented guy in my network is Malcolm Harris. He has created everything from Comic Books and Graphic Novels, to tabletop Role Playing Games, to High fantasy novels. He is very meticulous and dedicated when crafting his worlds and characters, and you will see the results of that when you read or play his work.

What inspires your writing?

I’ believe if you are a writer you must write. Life and living, in that case, become the inspiration and vice versa. As a wise man once said (Okay I’m actually quoting myself, so maybe not wises but.. you get it.) I’ don’t swing the hammer, the hammer swings me.

What is your process of developing characters?

I write short stories with them, I run scenarios in my mind and I build stories and lists of likes and dislikes. If you want to make a great character you should have info on them the reader will never know. Like every gift on every birthday.

Did you start with a story outline or did you make it up as you went along?

I’m one of those crazy people believe if you place the characters in a situation and let them run free in your imagination they will tell the story. It’s my job to write down and organize that story.

How much research did you need for your story?

My novel Adventures born: Taking the high road took a lot as I really wanted to give it a sense of history. The Nyumbani people in my world language is based on Swahili and lots of African cultures mixed with a lot of old African American culture. Also Aerix, the world of my novel is 19th century America if colonization and the history of the world was different… hint magic is the ultimate equalizer. So I looked at history and thought what would change if magic or actual miracle-based religion was in the mix. So yeah lots of research.

What researching methods did you use?

I read a lot, the internet and I have a host of friends and family who are historians who I can ask questions to.

Did you draw on personal experience?

Yes of course. Experience is a great teacher. With my graphic novels, I looked at people who I knew and interactions. With my novel, it was more personal. One of the main family in the novel is my family only in a fantasy setting. It’s the African American experience only with magic, lol

How did you publish?

Self Publish.

Why did you do it that way?

I control my content and I have a higher profit margin. Any mistakes are mine but so are the rewards.

How long did it take to land representation?

I’ve been represented for over a decade. It came right after my first graphic novel witch girls was optioned as a movie (never made) and I wrote the first draft of the script.

Who did your cover and marketing?

I did the cover on my Novel, my other books by various artist. I love working with artist and a big shout out to Ewelina Avionetca Mroczkowska and Abby Soto, to of the best artist around for a lot of Princess Lucinda and Witch Girls covers. As for marketing, That’s my agent and me. I love marketing, I spreading the word and doing signings and cons. A hint to would be writers, shyness is bad for success.

How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?

Seven is my number. Although it depends on the book. The princess Lucinda Graphic Novels took three, but that’s because I wrote it first as a spec movie script. Then I did a revision as one graphic novel then as three.

How did your background in Role Playing Games help with creating your fantasy story?

Rules, as a game designer, I built the rules of my world, how everything works. My characters are stated on paper and in my head so their limits are defined as are the rules of the world. For instance, I know how much damage an injury does and how much a healer can heal or how a spell is cast and how its resisted… and so on. That kind of thing gives an order o a fantastic world. I also LARP with a group called Amtgard. Unlike most LARPs which are very “light” on combat, Amtgard is down and dirt and heavy on it. I swing my battle ax and you feel it, and you might land on your bottom. In fantasy novels, people have to guess how magic changes a battle or how it works. I don’t: I’ve “seen” it. That gives a unique visceral feel for the combat in what I write.

What are the differences between writing for comic books and writing regular prose?

Comics are is a visual medium so you work with the artist to use that for a better story. It’s also faster. With prose, I can take my time and build characters. Also the comic is a script while Prose isn’t.

What are you writing now?

The sequel to my novel, two tabletop RPGs and lots of short stories.

What is your advice to other writers?

Write, yeah that sounds obvious, but a lot of people are so afraid of failure or think they don’t have time. But simply put, if you do not write, you are not a writer, so write! Perfection is a lie and believing in it is a chain that will hold you down. Just do it, make mistakes, get better, do your best and “don’t be afraid be relentless “. (that’s me quoting myself again)

Be sure to check out Malcolm’s latest Novel, Adventurers Born: Taking the High Road!

Interview with Dominique Morisseau

Quan

I’ve had the honor of knowing critically acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau since my college days at the University of Michigan. She is an immensely talented writer, storyteller, poet and activist, and as of this writing is promoting her latest his play “Ain’t Too Proud”. Here are some insights into the writing process.

What inspires your writing? 

 Life, humanity, and the everyday struggles of the marginalized

What is your process of developing characters?  

They sit with me a long time and I think about who they are and what they are willing to fight and/or die for.  That’s when I know who they are.

Did you start with a story outline or did you make it up as you went along?

I often do an outline or have some strong sense of where I want the story to go when I start writing.  Otherwise I’d end up never finishing my stories.  Sometimes even if I make it up as I go along, I still have a strong sense of where it needs to go.  The more I have figured out in outline or in theory, the more fun I have when it’s time to just fill in the dialogue.   The “WHAT” is always harder to me than the “HOW”. I consider the WHAT the structure of the plot, and the HOW is the dialogue and scene events.  Once I have the structure figured out, filling in the blanks is the fun part. 

How much research did you need for your story?

Depends on the story.  For my plays SKELETON CREW and PIPELINE, I had different research.  I had never been in an auto factory before, and SKELETON CREW takes place inside of a factory.  So for that, I needed to read many books.  Talk to factory workers.  Visit factory museums in Detroit.  For PIPELINE, I was writing about the school-to-prison pipeline and the world I was telling this through was the world of a teacher.  I was raised by a teacher and have been a teacher for half of my life.  So I needed very little additional research to tell that story.

What researching methods did you use?

Books.  Live people.  Music.  Documentaries.

Did you draw on any personal experience?

All of my stories have a bit of the personal in them.  That’s how the heart is fused into the work.  It’s all personal experience, even if I haven’t lived every moment myself.  Someone I know or care about has.

How did your publish?

In theatre, we have play publishers.  Once my work was produced by a major theatre, the publishers come looking to me to make me offers.  So instead of looking to get published, I was looking to complete the work and get it exposure in productions.

How long did it take to land representation?

I’d been writing plays for years before I got my agent, or even needed my agent.  My focus has always been on doing the work and getting better at doing it.  The more I stay in practice of my craft, and the more communities that I build my craft within, the more advocates I get for my work.  An agent came out of recommendation from a peer after developing my work at the Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference.  Everything comes from relationships with other artists, and committing to perfecting your craft.

How was your story marketed and promoted?

Theatre is different.  Theatre institutions have built-in marketing departments.  But I always increase my own marketing and visibility on social media and within various community groups.

How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?

As many as it takes.  Some plays have been developed five or six times over before I got a production and got published.  Sometimes ten times.  As many as it takes to make it amazing.

How does writing a script compare to writing prose, and were there challenges in adapting your script for publication?

I didn’t adapt my work for another form.  I write prose for prose.  I write scripts for theatre, tv, and film that are specific to that medium.  I am actually now adapting one of my plays for TV.  That takes some shaping and re-thinking about the story in a way that follows the demands of the new medium.  TV is character driven, so now I have to flush my characters out and think about their lives beyond the two-hour story I wrote for them for the stage.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of writing a story in script form as opposed to writing in regular prose?  

Each medium has its own value.

How did you get the people that put together your plays (production people, financial backers, actors, etc.) interested in bringing your script to life?

In Theater, typically work gets produced after its been developed at various play development programs.  The first step is applying and submitting your written work to the many programs out there that are seeking new work.

What are you writing now?

3 TV pilots, 2 screenplays, a musical, and 2 new plays.

What is your advice to other writers?

Read and engage with the kind of writing that you want to be doing.  If you want to write for the stage, you need to be seeing lots of theatre.  If you want to write for cinema, you need to be seeing films and reading screenplays.  Stay ever curious about the world and constantly consume the kind of work you want to be making.

Be sure to get your copy of Dominique’s latest book! And If you’re near where her latest play is being shown, go check that out, too.