WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?
I’ve been writing all my work life, but I didn’t start writing fiction until 2009. I wanted a new challenge and found I enjoy storytelling as much as reading.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
Travel Glasses began as a short story. Ideas for the title and otherworldly time traveler, Valcas, popped in my head at the same time. As I continued to write, the story outgrew a short story word count. By the time I had a rough outline for the second book, I knew it would become a series.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
“I began to realize that I could go wherever and whenever I dreamed.” – Travel Glasses
In the context of the novel, this quote describes the main character’s reaction when she discovers how to use the travel glasses to move through time and space. Personally, this line is meaningful because it represents what it feels like to me to be a writer who can create my own story worlds.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?
I recognize components of my personality in many of the characters, even Edgar, Valcas, and Romaso. Readers have asked me if Calla’s like me because she’s the main character, but our adventures and family lives are quite different.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
The Call to Search Everywhen series highlights conflicts between privacy and self-preservation, as well as the development of meaningful versus illusory relationships. At the heart of it, I hope to engage the reader on themes of love and trust.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I still attend open mics every now and then to read excerpts of my stories. The more listeners smile and laugh, the more animated I get.
IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY?
Peter S. Beagle—but, I don’t think I’m there yet. Beagle’s writing and his ability to connect with both children and adults inspire me. I have a similar admiration for C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.
HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?
All my books are indie published, which I love because it gives me a lot of creative control. I’d previously sent query letters to two agents. Both responded with kind words for me, but I could tell that being accepted and going through the process would take a lot longer than releasing books on my own.
IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?
Write what you love. Sure, there will be those who don't like what you write. Don't be afraid to share it anyway.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
Newsletter ads, such as BookBub, have given me the greatest return on investment. But don’t stop there. Marketing is just a form of reaching out and connecting with people. Before publishing anything, I spent time with other writers. From there, I’ve tested various online and social media platforms dedicated to readers and writers, entered book award contests, obtained editorial reviews, and spoken on writing panels. Live meeting groups, including South Bay Writers and Allied Indie Authors—Northern California, have provided tremendous support.
WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
I’m editing Darker Stars, the first installment in The Song of Everywhen, a sister series to The Call to Search Everywhen time travel books. Darker Stars is scheduled to release in January 2018. I’m also working on the second and third parts of my Glistens collection.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
No comments:
Post a Comment