Chris DeBrie wrote all of his books, including this year’s Shakespeare Ashes, between shifts at a grocery. He lists Judy Blume and Eduardo Galeano as a few of his literary influences. DeBrie lives in Virginia.

Wash Your Hands Productions

INTERVIEW:

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Chris. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

A: Shakespeare Ashes is my third novel.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

A: As Is was first published in 1999.

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

A: I submitted queries for As Is to about a dozen publishers and agents. I still have a few of the photocopied rejection slips as a dose of motivation. Only one agent answered positively. She called me to say she liked the story. But after a few months during which she said she was shopping the book, she asked for money to continue the search for a publisher. At the time I couldn’t afford her fee, which was probably good, as I later found out that most reputable book agents don’t ask for money up front–they take their cut once they’ve opened a few doors for the writer. I later saw her agency’s name on a ‘warning/avoid’ list online. So my ignorance and poverty at the time actually helped. Who knew?

Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

A: Even when I was a teenager, already writing and planning, I had an intuition that my style of writing wasn’t going to get past the literary gatekeepers. Not unless I had some success on my own. That was some years before print-on-demand and the internet, so I am blessed that I came along at this time. It’s now possible for one person to create and promote books, music, or anything. You can find a way to spread the word and distribute your creation, and keep a measure of control.

We got a glimpse of what’s to come, with the music industry a few years ago–file sharing changed everything, and they’re still scrambling for new business models. A version of this is happening in every industry.

So the rejections from the big boys didn’t really hurt; I knew even then that, to a New York editor, I was just one more unagented wanna-be in the slush pile.

I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: As Is was first published by Infinity, a company that has been utilizing POD since about 1997. I compared several publishers and, all things considered, Infinity’s combination of price, extras, control and book quality seemed a cut above. For some reason, I thought that having the same title under different POD publishers would make it available in more places, so I then put it out under a different publisher a year later. But in 2007 I made it available exclusively from Infinity. Just to keep things simple.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

A: That first book was published just so I could hold it in my hands, originally… The writing itself, I celebrate after a book is done, because I know what it took. But otherwise, I won’t celebrate until I achieve the success I’m after. I’ll know the day.

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

A: With As Is and Selective Focus, I didn’t promote at all. This was another of the ideas I had as a teenager–that I wanted to have the beginnings of my own library before I really pushed myself out there. Artists of all stripes get judged by a first work. I wanted to be that guy who was already a vet by the time he was really noticed.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

A: That implies I have a choice in the do-over, in which case I naturally would choose a mainstream, well-connected publisher. POD and self-publishing still have the stigma of lesser quality, usually for good reason, and so a big hunk of reviewers and book sellers just won’t touch anything in that category. I can’t change that alone, but I can make sure that my books are as well-written and as eye-pleasing as anything at Barnes & Noble.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: All of my books were done through POD. I’m harder on my stuff than most anyone. I am never ‘finished’… The growth as a writer simply parallels my growth as a person.

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

A: I might have researched the industry more thoroughly. I was all about the stories for so long, and learning more about agents, book companies, and so on may have helped in my query letters.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: Still waiting for that one.

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

A: If I wasn’t a writer, I would have liked to be one of the best pro athletes on the planet. That, or Batman.

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

A: I wouldn’t trade my mind and life for anything at this point.

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: As good as I think my imagination is, I rarely imagine my own future. Planning what I want for dinner tonight will probably change.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: If you can’t step outside of what you’ve written and become a reader again; if you find yourself skimming through your story edits; if your own writing doesn’t grab you… then keep trying, because people seem to know whether you care. Find a few book lovers that you trust to read your stuff. It helps if they’re honest to a fault. And it’s a cliche, but edit, edit, edit… Put the story away for a few days or weeks, rinse, and repeat.

Lisa A. Shiel researches and writes about everything strange, from Bigfoot and UFOs to alternative history. She has been interviewed for big-city newspapers, national magazines, drive-time talk radio shows, and TV news.

Lisa has a master’s degree in library science and was previously the chief investigator for Michigan’s chapter of the Mutual UFO Network as well as past president of Michigan’s  Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA).

As a fiction writer, Lisa developed the Human Origins Series—which includes the novels The Hunt for Bigfoot and Lord of the Dead. Lisa’s other nonfiction books are Backyard Bigfoot: The True Story of Stick Signs, UFOs & the Sasquatch (a finalist in ForeWord Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year Awards) and Strange Michigan. Her latest book, The Evolution Conspiracy, Vol. 1, marks the initial release in a planned three-book series.

Find Lisa online at EvolutionConspiracy.com, Twitter.com/LAShiel, or on Facebook.

 

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Lisa.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

 

A: My new book, The Evolution Conspiracy, is my fifth published book.

Q: Can you tell us about your new book?

A: Controversial topics are my forte, but in The Evolution Conspiracy I tackle the most controversial topic of all—evolution. Scientists tell us life has evolved for billions of years, from tiny bacteria to the menagerie of life-forms we see today. But does the evidence support this assertion? Rather than overlaying my personal beliefs on the evidence, I reveal all the facts along with the various interpretations of it. See the evidence, read my analysis of it, think about it, and decide for yourself.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: I had an agent for awhile but I found the mainstream publishing process too long and uncertain. Most of my books have been published by a family-owned company, Slipdown Mountain Publications, in which I am a partner. Independent publishers are more open to new authors and ideas. My first book, the novel The Hunt for Bigfoot, centered around an adventure story with a science fiction twist—definitely not your mainstream fare. One of my books (Strange Michigan) was published by a different company but my new book, The Evolution Conspiracy, comes from Slipdown Mountain. We wanted to get the book out during 2009 because it’s both the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of his book The Origin of Species. I find that a smaller company can get a book to print faster.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: The Evolution Conspiracy is my fifth published book. Along the way I’ve learned the importance of promotion. People won’t read your books if they don’t know they exist! You can just sit back and wait for people to find your book because, after all, your book is wonderful…or you can make sure people hear about your work. That’s why I chose to do a virtual book tour this time around. I’m proud of The Evolution Conspiracy, with its message of empowerment, and I’ll work hard to spread the word.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: I’m proudest of the acclaim The Evolution Conspiracy has received, from scientists and book reviewers. A microbiologist even wrote the foreword for the book. My previous books received good reviews, and Backyard Bigfoot was a finalist in ForeWord Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year Awards, but I find the most satisfaction in what I’ve accomplished with The Evolution Conspiracy.

Q: What is the biggest problem facing evolutionists?

A: No one can define the term species. Charles Darwin lamented that the term was used arbitrarily for any group of organisms that looked similar. Despite centuries of trying scientists still cannot define what a species is. None of the species concepts, whether they rely on reproductive ability or genetics, can accommodate what happens in the natural world. Animals assigned to different species interbreed whenever they feel like it, and no one yet understands how or if genes influence the creation of vastly new types of life. We simply don’t understand how organisms are related to one another, if at all.

Q: Since you don’t believe in evolution, do you believe in creationism or intelligent design?

A. I don’t subscribe to any particular alternative idea. I like to speculate and explore the possibilities but the only absolute fact in relation to life’s origins is that no one can prove anything or even elevate a hypothesis to a theory. The only certainty is uncertainty.

Q: Don’t fossils prove that life evolved?

A. No, fossils prove one thing and one thing alone—many living things that once existed have since disappeared. Complete, intact fossils are uncommon. Most fossils turn up shattered and scattered with big chunks missing. The fragmented remains of Lucy, a presumed human ancestor from several million years ago, were found spread out over a hillside. Her skeleton is less than half complete. The fossils also suffer from the vagaries of interpretation. The team who discovered a primate fossil nicknamed Ida lumped her in the same category as humans and apes, but recently another team of scientists has reinterpreted the fossil and placed her in a different category altogether. And these are just two examples. When we talk about fossils, most of our sentences end in question marks.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: I have two words actually—read and learn. The two go together, especially for authors. Everyone wants to write a book but few people want to spend the time honing their skills and learning how the publishing industry works. Whether you want to self-publish or go the traditional route, you must understand what lies ahead so you can avoid the pitfalls that trip up many aspiring authors. Everyone makes mistakes, but wouldn’t you rather learn from other people’s screw-ups rather than repeating the same old mistakes? The secret to becoming a published writer is simple—read, learn, and work hard.

Mary Balogh grew up in Wales and, after graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, on a two-year contract to teach high school English. She stayed to marry and raise a family. She was first published in 1985 and quit her teaching job three years later to write full time. A Precious Jewel, first published in 1993, has recently been republished by Bantam Dell as part of a commitment to make her backlist available to her current readership. Read more, including an excerpt from A Precious Jewel, at www.marybalogh.com.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Mary. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

A: I am multi-published, with over 70 novels and over 30 novellas published.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

A: A Masked Deception, 1985

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

A: There were no rejections.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: NAL. The book was Signet Regency. A number of publishers had a Regency romance line at the time. I chose NAL Signets because I thought that on the whole their books were the best.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

A: Quite euphoric. I was at home alone when the “call” came and for some reason I can no longer remember could not call either my husband or my children with the news. I called my mother in Wales. I had not told her, or anyone else for that matter except my husband, that I had written a book, so the news of the acceptance came as quite a surprise to her!

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?

A: I didn’t, apart from telling everyone I knew. That was not very many. There was no internet in those days.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

A: No. I did everything wrong, but it worked for me. I knew nothing about how to get published. When I had finished my manuscript, I bundled it up with a very short letter and sent it off to an address in Canada that I found inside the cover of a Signet Regency romance. It turned out to be a distribution center. But someone there read the manuscript, liked it, and sent it on to New York. Two weeks later I was offered a two-book contract. If I had gone about things the correct way, the manuscript might still be sitting on a slush pile somewhere!

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: Numerous times. I still write basically the same type of books, but I hope and believe they have improved over time. I believe they are stronger on action and dialogue, a little less given to lengthy interior monologue.

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

A: I suppose I might have tried to get out of the small Regency sub-genre and into the mainstream historical genre faster. I might have reached a larger audience and climbed the bestseller charts far sooner if I had. On the other hand, the almost forty books I wrote for the sub-genre still exist and are being republished, as A Precious Jewel is now. And so far the repubs have been well received by my newer readers.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: The new Huxtable quintet (First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Seduction, At Last Comes Love, Seducing an Angel) has been very successful so far. The first four books came out in the spring of 2009 and spent a combined total of thirteen weeks on the New York Times bestselling list. At Last Comes Love debuted at #2 on the mass market fiction list. Book 5, A Secret Affair, will be out in hardcover at the end of June, 2010.

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

A: I was a high school English teacher for twenty years before I quit to write full time. It was a career I loved.

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

A: I gave up teaching to write, though I did both for five years. I had always wanted to write, though, from childhood on. When I thought I could risk giving up teaching to devote myself full-time to writing, I didn’t hesitate, though I suppose I did quail for a while at the risk I was taking.

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: Alive, I hope. Still writing, I hope.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: Write! That might seem rather silly advice on the face of it. I am always amazed, however, when in company with groups of writers, to discover how many will find any excuse imaginable to stop themselves from actually sitting down and writing—the need to get their lives organized, do some research, read some how-to books, attend more conferences, consult their critique group, etc. The only way to learn to write is to write. The only way to finish a book is to start it and keep going with it. The only way to get published is to write a book that may be publishable.

Lynda Drews, a Wisconsin native and dedicated runner, recently gave the commencement speech at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, her college Alma mater. One lesson she shared with the graduates was: “to journal your life.”

When Lynda, a marketing executive, made the decision to retire after her thirty-year career, she returned to an earlier passion. Run at Destruction is the outcome.

Lynda and her husband, Jim, a retired guidance counselor and an accomplished runner, have two sons, Collin and Chris, and a golden retriever named Bailey. The family has lived in Green Bay since the mid-seventies and helped launch the local running movement. The city now hosts the nation’s fourth largest 10K, the Bellin Run.

www.lyndadrews.com

www.lmdrews.wordpress.com

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Lynda.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

A: In August of 2009, I was published for the first time.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

A: Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

A: I utilized Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents to come up with my submission list. I also attended a New York Pitch conference that helped me develop a good query letter. This is what I then e-mailed to about fifty agents/publishers. From this, I received about 30 rejections and 6 requests for my book proposal and/or manuscript. This process started in December of 2006 and by February of 2008, I finally secured a mainstream publisher.  

Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

A: Honestly, it was difficult receiving rejection after rejection, especially with the subset that had requested my book proposal/manuscript. One agent that I’d hoped to sign with was like me, a marathon runner, and since my true crime book, about my best friend’s mysterious bathtub drowning, takes place within a tight-knit running group I felt there might be a good match.

She initially thought so, too, but once she realized the story took place in the 80s, she said, “even though the story is fascinating, I don’t feel it would be relevant today.” Her statement became a challenge and I repositioned my book proposal, highlighting this historical U.S. time-period, the running boom of the 80s, when the “average Jane or Joe” started to jog.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: I was ecstatic when I finally secured a contract directly with TitleTown Publishing that specializes in the True Crime genre. TitleTown is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where I live and has a dynamic owner, Tracy Ertl. I was the third title she’d signed, so I felt my book would not get lost in the shuffle of a larger publishing house. I also liked being included on all the workings of getting my book into print. We could meet in person over coffee to work out the details.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

A: It was amazing to see my name printed on the cover of Run at Destruction and to see the photo of my best friend and running partner on the back. This book has been a labor of love to honor Pamela Bulik’s memory. My excitement was multiplied when my publisher, TitleTown Publishing also released Torture at the Back Forty, a book written by my friend, Mike Dauplaise, on the same day – August 7, 2009. Tracy hosted a book launch party for the two of us at, appropriately, the TitleTown Brewing Company. This blog highlights that particular celebration: http://tinyurl.com/mz62tg

Q: What was the first thing you did for a promotion when you were published for the first time?

A: My true crime book is centered around a three teacher love triangle, from within Green Bay’s running community, that lead to one of the most heavily attended homicide trials in the city’s history.  My publisher was able to ship about 800 books to Green Bay before it’s official release date.

This enabled me to promote my book at the Bellin Run in June, which attracted more than 16,000 participants. I was interviewed by the Press-Gazette, and was included in press releases about the pre-race event where I talked about Run at Destruction, sharing the stage with two former Olympians, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rodgers. I was also provided an expo booth where I sold and signed books. This provided both local and national exposure since the Bellin Run draws participants from across the U.S.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

A: No. This has worked out perfectly. I know TitleTown is small, but inside a larger publishing house I don’t feel there would be that intimate relationship between publisher and author. I want to be successful so TitleTown is successful.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: Run at Destruction was just released in August 2009. So far, it is my only title.

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

A: I believe I spent too much time fine-tuning my book proposal chapter synopsizes before e-mailing off my query letter. I lost about six-months. Also, in addition to having a good cover design, blurbs are key to having the reader select your book. Before submitting my queries, I was able to contact the best-selling true crime author Ann Rule who said that if I found a publisher she’d read my galley and if she felt my book was something her readers would like, she’d give me a quote. I should have done the same for my running blurbs.

After finding a publisher, and nearing print date I finally secured three, the race directors from the Boston Marathon and the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon, and from a U.S. correspondent for Track & Field News. In hindsight, having these available in the proposal stage might have sped up my publisher search since the running endorsements helped validate my book’s relevance.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: The week after my book’s release I received a Publisher’s Weekly review that said: “this title… relies on the strong bond between author and victim for emotional weight; passages about their shared moments, and Drews’s feelings of emptiness in the decades since, are remarkable.”  You can’t help but love the word “remarkable!” That same week I drove up to our local Barnes & Noble Bookstore and in the front window was a display of my books. Usually, this is reserved for authors like Dan Browne or Nicolas Sparks! My book then zoomed to the store’s #1 position.

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

A: This is actually my second career. I first spent thirty years honing my technical, sales, and marketing skills at IBM. This background certainly aided me in my writing career. I’d always been comfortable with such things as computers, research, creating brochure and web copy, and speaking in front of large groups. But another career that’s forever peeked my interest was that of a criminal or prosecuting attorney. Any book, movie, or TV show that contained a trial had always drawn me in.

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

A: Surprisingly, I have combined the best of both worlds while also utilizing significant elements from my IBM career to write and now market Run at Destruction. The research I conducted gave me new insight into the criminal attorney career that I never pursued. I immersed myself in boxes of court and police records that pertained to my best friend’s death and the subsequent first-degree murder trial of her husband.

I also gained knowledge by interviewing the detectives, attorneys, judge, coroner, and jurors. Then my IBM background helped me scan and organize the records and voice files that became invaluable as I searched for the truth about my best friend’s death.

Now that I’m published, I’ve become a marketing demon, again drawing on my IBM experience. This phase is key for a first-time author otherwise there will be a slim chance of success!  It’s been non-stop, giving television and radio interviews, doing book talks and readings, sending out press releases, arranging reviews, doing e-mail blasts, blogging, twittering, and, of course, social networking through facebook. Who would have figured?

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: My blog and twitter name says it all: @runnerwritergal. Since I’m officially retired, in addition to enjoying my family, reading, knitting, playing bridge, volunteering and vacationing – running and writing is what I see doing for the rest of my life.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: In addition to determination and enhancing your writing skills to create the perfect manuscript, it’s important to better understand the steps to secure a publisher. One of the workshops I attended allowed me to pitch my book to selected agents and publishing editors. This gave me a much needed reality check and helped guide me down the path to finally realize my dream of becoming a publisher author.

Garasamo Maccagnone is the author of, The Suburban Dragon, St. John of the Midfield, and The Affliction of Dreams. His latest novella, For the Love of St. Nick is a Christmas tale that features four illustrations by acclaimed artist, Al Ochsner. Born in the wake of the Korean War, Maccagnone lives today in Shelby Township, Michigan with his wife Vicki and their three children. You can visit Garasamo online at www.garasamomaccagnone.com.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Garasamo.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published? 

A: I’ve been published four times now, with one book being self-published and  picked up by another publisher for a 2^nd run. 

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why? 

A: Sentiments of Blue. I actually lost this manuscript in a basement flood thirty years ago or so. I was incapable of reciting it and too lazy to try again. I left it alone, though, when I featured it in my writing class at WMU, it was well received. 

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it? 

A: Counting my rejection slips is like trying to add up the national debt. It’s too hard to compute – too hard to wrap your brain around. 

Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows? 

A: For a long period of time, I stopped writing. With raising the kids and trying to make a living, it became too difficult to find the time. In the new century, as opportunities opened up in the publishing business, my interest was sparked and I began knocking out a lot of stories. 

The rejections are hard to take, especially if the work is well received critically.  Being competitive, I was resolute in completing the works no matter what the outcome. I always said to myself, I’m finishing this stuff even if my mother won’t buy it! 

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them? 

A: A guy I met in the publishing business decided to give my first work a chance. He was a local guy who had a press of his own. For all his limitations, I thought he did a pretty good job with the product. 

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate? 

A: Truly, I felt good after, and only after, a non-family member or friend purchased my work. When someone likes your work without any strings attached, that’s a good feeling. That’s what it’s all about. 

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time? 

A: With my children’s book, I was invited to many of the schools in Michigan to read the book to the Kindergarten or 1^st Grade class.  Since the book was about a Suburban Dragon, the illustrator, Al Ochsner, and I would perform a skit for the kids where Al was clad in a dragon costume. The routine always started with me insisting to the kids that there was nothing to be afraid of with dragons. They didn’t exist of course, I told them, playing the foil, while Al dressed in his costume behind me. As soon as Al would place his index finger to his mouth and ask the kids to be quiet as he approached me, the cackles would start and the kids just couldn’t hold back. Sure it was a dorky performance by both of us but it sold a lot of books and promoted the work well. Typically, we would receive book reviews and drawings from all the kids after the full reading of the book. We were a big hit with the teachers.  

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published? 

A: I’m convinced that unless you are sleeping with a higher up at a traditional publisher, or have tenure at a university and know a board member sleeping with a higher up at a traditional publisher, you have little to no chance of seeing your work printed and put up on a book shelf at a major chain. 

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author? 

A: I’m looking at a couple different options with my latest work, entitled, The Fish and the Fox. 

I’m not certain if I’ve grown at all as a writer. Where I know I’ve improved is in the editorial and marketing side of the process. I spend a lot more time now working with paid editors on making sure my work is fit for critical eyes. It’s a taxing ritual but necessary and vital for a book to succeed.  

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided? 

A: I should have looked for a higher up at a major publishing firm and slept with her. 

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published? 

A: There’s nothing spectacular in my bio from writing. I’ve had some good reviews from unsolicited quarters and feel good that the writing has been well received. I’ve sold a number of books around the world. What else can I ask for? 

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be? 

A: I’d have made a great sports columnist, like Ray Barone. 

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds? 

A: I have it all. I’m able to work in various fields or industries, with anonymity, and with respect from my peers. 

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: Hopefully, ten pounds lighter with six strokes consistently shaven from my golf score.  

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day? 

A: Don’t let the bastards get you down.  Whenever, or however it happens, enjoy it and never lose your humility. One good review doesn’t make you the next Hemingway.

 

Diana Rumjahn received her bachelor’s degree in social science from San Francisco State University and has worked at the university for over the past two decades. She is currently an administrator at College of Creative Arts, where she received the “Star of the Month Award.” She wrote, directed, filmed, produced and edited the international award-winning film Going Home, which has been shown worldwide. You can visit her website at www.dianarumjahn.com.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Diana. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

Diana: I am a first-time published author.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

Diana: Choices For All. It was not published because my interests changed over time.

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

Diana: I decided to self-publish it.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Diana: BookSurge is the publisher of Charlie and Mama Kyna. A friend of mine published her book with BookSurge and I decided to follow in her footsteps.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Diana: I felt that there was a lot of work still needed to be done in terms of promotion and I did not celebrate.

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Diana: I informed everyone by internet.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Diana:  For Charlie and Mama Kyna, self-publishing was appropriate because I was in supervisory role throughout the process. I am very happy with the results.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Diana: I have not published since, Charlie and Mama Kyna. The experience of publishing and promoting a book has made me grown as an author.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Diana: My book won the Best Short Story For Children Award from The 39^th Annual Marin County Fair, Marin County, California. This award came 6 months after being published. Hopefully, the book will win more awards.

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Diana: University Professor.

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Diana: I would try to combine the best of both worlds.

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

Diana: I can’t see that far ahead while living in a big city.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Diana: Be persistent and prepare yourself for a lot of work.

 

 

Victoria Simcox

Author of The Magic Warble, Victoria Simcox, also known as Vicki, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister. When she was 7, Vicki moved with her family to British Columbia. Then in her early twenties to Western Washington, where she now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married for almost 20 years, and has 3 children. For the past 10 years, she has home schooled her children, and she also teaches elementary school art. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz, and 1 parakeet, named Pauly. She did have a pet rat named Raymond; when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way.  You can visit her website at www.themagicwarble.com or her blog at http://www.victoriasimcox.blogspot.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Victoria.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

Victoria: I am published for the first time.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

Victoria: The Magic Warble

The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox (Click on cover to purchase)

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

Victoria: About 30 I’d say.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Victoria: The rejections made me feel down, and depressed of course, but I had done a lot of research before hand, and that had prepared me to expect many rejections. I learned that for first time authors, most of the time it doesn’t matter how good your work is, publishers are rarely going to take the risk of taking on a new author due to the costs involved in publishing.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Victoria: Two Harbors Press is my first publisher. They are a small publishing agency that does take on new authors, if they like their work, but they also expect the author to do most of the promotion of their book.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Victoria: It made me feel very happy. To me being published is a very big accomplishment. I didn’t do anything in particular to celebrate, just relished in the satisfaction of being a published author.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Victoria: I had a website created and a blog spot as well. Then I had my book reviewed by bloggers, who then posted the reviews on their blog sites. I also sent review copies to newspapers and stores to see if they wanted to carry my book. And I have been doing book signings and talks as well.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Victoria: I guess if there was a publisher that did all of my promoting that would be something I’d have wanted to begin with, but the reality of it is that would most likely never have happened to begin with being that I am new author. So I am doing the best I can with where I’m at now.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Victoria: No. I haven’t finished my second book in The Magic Warble series yet, and it is all that I am working on at present. As far as growing as an author, my passion for creating my story keeps growing stronger, and I write more then I used to. I hardly ever go a day with out writing at least 2 to 3 hours. Also I really truly appreciate the fans of my book. When they tell how they can’t wait for the next book, it’s so rewarding to me. I also like to encourage young people who want to write as well. There are a lot of kids out there wanting to be the next J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyer and if I can build them up and give them encouragement and hope it also helps me grow as an author.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Victoria: Really, I don’t see what I could have done different or speeded up. I was published in about 14 months from the time I started sending out my manuscript.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Victoria: Being able to here how my fans love my story and can’t wait for the next book. This shows me that I must have accomplished writing a pretty good story.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Victoria: That’s hard to say because writing is what I love most, but if I had to choose something secondary, I’d say art teacher.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Victoria: I guess I’ve combined the best of both worlds, because I already do both.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Victoria:  I have big dreams. In ten years or hopefully way before then, I want be able to make enough money from my book royalties to retire my husband from his job. I’d like to see my books made into movies and I want to be able to travel more as well as give more to the charities I support.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Victoria:  If you truly feel that writing is your life’s purpose, then no matter how hard the publishing journey gets, or how frustrated you get when writers block may stop your creativity, or how low your self esteem may get, never give up. Even so, saying all this, don’t expect miracles to fall into your lap. You’ll have to search and work very hard figuring out what to do next, but I believe if you do this, an opportunity will show its self. Do a lot of research. The internet is a goldmine of information. I’ll leave you with a good quote: Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. J. R. R. Tolkien

Watch the trailer!

Barbora Knobova is a writer, relationship coach and expert in Delicious Life. A world traveler, she is one of those rare world citizens who live everywhere and nowhere. Barbora is a firm believer in female friendship, loyalty and bonding. She writes hilarious, sharp-witted, caustically apt, ironic, moving, true books for strong, independent, smart, fearless women. Barbora has also written several self-improvement books and teaches women about the importance of self-love in relationships and life in general. Barbora speaks eight languages and has found her home away from home in New York, London and Milan. She is always on the move, accompanied by her beagle Brinkley, the nasty dog from Tales for Delicious Girls,  her latest book, which was published in September 2009.

Website: http://www.barboraknobova.com

Blog: http://barboraknobova.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/barboraknobova

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

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Barbora.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I’ve published four books in Europe and Tales for Delicious Girls is my first book that has been published in the States. It’s interesting to have such a great opportunity to explore book markets in Europe and in the States because there are many differences.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

My first book was published in 2007, it is called Stories for Big Girls. It was a bestseller in Europe, it was nominated for two literary awards and appeared on the list of 25 Best Books of the Year. In many ways, Stories for Big Girls was the starting point for Tales for Delicious Girls, although Tales for Delicious Girls goes much deeper.

Tales for Delicious Girls by Barbora Knobova (click on cover to purchase)

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I was very lucky. I found a great publisher and my book has never been rejected by anyone! I know, it’s incredible. Earlier this year I’ve founded my own publishing company, BK Publishing, and I’m always on the lookout for new, talented female authors. I write about women and for women, and I would like to be there for fellow female authors, back them up with my experience and help them get their name and work out there. Although I’ve never been rejected by a publisher, I worked in the movie industry for many years and I know how hard rejections are.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

In Europe, all my books have been published by the very same publisher so far. I’ve been very lucky to find such a great team of people. I chose them because when I was about to publish my first book they were new, fresh, had great ideas and great professionals working with them. They also put me together with Nela Vadlejchova, a wonderful, talented artist who has been illustrating my books ever since. When I founded my own publishing company, they were with me every step of the way, advising me and helping me, and they still support me today.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

It felt great but I don’t think I celebrated it in any special way. I usually don’t celebrate when the book gets published because I know that the journey is only beginning. I celebrate marketing milestones, good reviews, encouraging e-mails from readers, good sales. Getting published is the easier part.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

When I was published for the first time, I knew nothing about book marketing and most promotion was taken care of by my publisher. I started learning about book promotion only when I decided to publish my books in the States. In Europe, the approach to book marketing is much more traditional and readers still prefer brick-and-mortar book stores, book signing events, interviews in magazines and newspapers, TV interviews, book fairs. Internet marketing is very limited, virtual book tours practically don’t exist. In the States there are endless opportunities for authors to get attention and connect with their readers. Back to your question, the first thing I did back in 2007 was to write a press release and distribute it. In a few hours, I got a call from a TV producer who wanted to do an interview with me for a popular lifestyle magazine. I was lucky! But the truth is that getting on national television is much easier in Europe than in the States.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Definitely not! I’ve learned so much in the process and I’m still learning. Getting experience and knowledge is extremely valuable.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I grow with every new book, with every new chapter, with every sentence. I’ve become more prolific, I’m able to write with ease and I’ve learned to be really creative about my writing, I play with it, I have fun. Writing your fifth book is definitely easier than writing your first book. And the more I write, the more I love it.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I’ve always preferred going with the flow. Rushing things is never a good idea. When you hit the wall, it’s better to start looking for new paths instead of trying to climb over the wall or break it down. I listen to my gut feeling. When something feels good and natural, it usually means that it’s the right path for you. It’s important to make mistakes because thanks to them we learn.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Even the slightest little achievement is wonderful and important! There have been many achievements, book award nominations, bestselling books, great reviews and interviews, TV appearances. However, there are always new goals to achieve and I always look forward to new challenges.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I would never choose another profession! In my life I’ve been a university teacher, a movie translator, a photographer, a love coach. I’ve turned my hobbies into my many professions and I’ve succeeded in all of them. However, I am, I’ve always been and I always will be a writer. That’s what fulfills me, that’s what defines my personality.

Would you give up being an author for another profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I’ve had the best of many worlds but from now on I want to be just an author. That’s what makes me truly happy.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself writing books in a house on the beach, surrounded by my family and a pack of spoiled beagles. A girl can dream, right?

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Being a comparatively successful writer is a good life (Ian Fleming). And nothing worth having is easy, so don’t give up. Write a good book and you will find your way to readers.

James Diehl is an award-winning journalist who has covered Sussex County, Delaware for various media outlets since 1998. Since 2007, he has owned and operated a freelance writing company based in Seaford, Delaware and is also a partner in a Lewes, Delaware-based public relations and marketing firm. He is the author of one other work of non-fiction – Remembering Sussex County, from Zwaanendael to King Chicken, published in 2009 by The History Press.

James can be found online at www.twitter.com/sussexwriter, at www.facebook.com/sussexwriter or via www.ww2-heroes.com.

 

Welcome to Beyond the Books, James.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware is my second book, both of which have been published in 2009. I’ve been writing for magazines and newspapers for several years, but I just entered into the world of books within the last year or so.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

My first book was titled Remembering Sussex County: from Zwaanendael to King Chicken. It’s a series of 33 vignettes from my home county in Delaware, ranging from when the Dutch first settled the area in 1631 to the mid 20^th century. It was published in May, 2009, by The History Press.

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware (click on cover to purchase)

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I was very, very lucky. I had been writing historical pieces for a couple of regional magazines and my articles caught the eye of someone from the local historical society. He contacted me and, in turn, put me in touch with someone he knew in the publishing world. Within seven months, Remembering Sussex County was on the shelves.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Fortunately, I have not had to deal with that aspect of the publishing world yet, though I’m sure I will at some point. No writer wants to hear that their work is not good enough, but you just have to believe in yourself and in your abilities. Take the constructive criticism, if it is constructive that is, and learn from it.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Remembering Sussex County was published by The History Press. I was referred by a colleague of mine.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

I’ve been in the field of journalism for many years now and had long since lost the excitement that comes with seeing your byline on a story. I must say, however, that I regained that excitement when I saw my name splashed in big letters across the front cover of my very own book. It was very, very exciting! I celebrated by taking my wife and kids out for ice cream.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

The very first thing I did with Remembering Sussex County was have a book signing at a history-themed Memorial Day event in my hometown. It was the first of many such appearances over the spring, summer and early fall. It was a very good marketing tool for me as, after many years as a reporter in the area, my name has become somewhat recognizable in southern Delaware.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I would have to say no. I was very, very lucky, but I did take full advantage of the opportunity when it came my way. Life is all about making the most of the chances and opportunities you are given. Remembering Sussex County was my first experience with book publishing, but it piqued my interest for much more. It was an experience that eventually led to World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I’ve had the two books published this year and am in the early stages of a third. As far as the growing process is concerned, the biggest thing for me was making the transition from a magazine and newspaper writer to a book author. It’s a completely different mindset, and one that takes a little while to get accustomed to.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Again, I was extremely lucky. I was not even considering a book when the opportunity to write one kind of fell in my lap. I feel a little guilty even uttering those words, because I know very well that’s not how things generally work out in this business. I was very fortunate, and I realize that.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

When I had just begun writing the stories that would later become World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware, I received a first place award from the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Press Association for the series. I have claimed several awards from the organization in the past, but this one was extra special; it laid the foundation for what later became my second book.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I would love to have Samantha Brown’s job on The Travel Channel, jet-setting around the world to take in different cultures and explore new worlds. How great would that be?

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I wouldn’t change a thing in my life right now. I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, I have a wonderful family and I have the pleasure of working at home most of the time. Sometimes, I would like to take a step back and not be quite so busy, but other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Well, let’s see. I’ll have two teenage girls in the house, so I’m sure that will add a new level of chaos to my life. Professionally, I hope to have completed a series of books honoring our World War II veterans and the sacrifices they made more than a half-century ago so we may live as we do today in the greatest country in the world. I realize the window is closing rapidly on getting such a project done, but I hope to devote a good deal of time to that over the next few years.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Just keeping plugging away. Keep an open mind and be willing to take advice, as well as constructive criticism. Don’t become so “married” to doing things one way that you lose the ability to make changes mid-stream. Remember that most of the people giving you advice are people who have been down the very road you are now traveling. Above all, do whatever it takes to keep your dreams alive.

Gale Laure, a native Texan, is the international selling author of Evolution of a Sad Woman, a mystery, suspense, thriller  and romance novel .   She resides in a small suburban town in the Houston area with her husband and family.  Laure’s hobbies include genealogical research, movies, creating stories for the children around her, involvement in her church and people watching. As mysterious as her  book, Laure writes under a pseudonym.  Adamant about maintaining her privacy and the privacy of her family, she keeps her identity a mystery!

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Gale Laure.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

Hello.  I am so pleased to be here.

Yes, I am a first time published author.   My debut novel is Evolution of a Sad Woman.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

My debut book, Evolution of a Sad Woman, is a mystery, suspense, thriller and romance novel.  It is published selling as a trade paperback, ebook and Kindle ebook.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I do not remember exactly how many.  I had saved my rejection letters but they were ruined by hurricane Ike when my home was destroyed.  There were quite a few though.  Some of them gave me a lengthy explanation.  Mainly it was because of the trend at the time.  The genre of my book was not popular.  Others just did not like my book.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Any rejection is devastating to an author.  I believed in my book.  It took time to overcome the blows.   You must decide for yourself that not everyone will like what you write.  But if you like what you write, then you support your work.   Authors have a lot of people to satisfy.  There are editors, publishers, critics and readers to please.  It is not an easy profession.

Evolution of a Sad Woman by Gale Laure (click on cover to purchase)

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Trafford Publishing is my publisher.  They were in Canada.  Now they are in the U.S.  Right after my rejection letters, family tragedy struck.  I had to spend time with family members and gave up the writing dream for a while.  During this time, I received a letter from Trafford.  I simply put it aside.

Later when I resumed my writing bug, my husband remembered them and the letter.  They are a Print on Demand publisher.  The thing I liked about them is that my book will never be dropped.  They archive the books. Fifty years from now if someone wants to purchase my book, they can print it.  I went with Trafford for that reason.   They also had amazing contacts in the industry.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

When my first book arrived, I ran around the house with roaring laughter. I held my book, Evolution of a Sad Woman, close to my heart.  I was all alone.  Actually I liked it that way.   When I write, I like to be alone.  It was fitting.  I thought about my characters.  I thought about their romance, their mystery, and their passion.  It was my day!

Later my husband took me out to dinner at Outback.   I love their blooming onion.  I smiled throughout dinner.  It was a glorious day!

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I have done so much.  Wow!   I suppose the first thing was to email all my friends and family.  News releases were sent out.  I mailed postcards to bookstores.   I had a launch/celebration party hosted in an art gallery in my hometown.   I had bookstore signings of my mystery, romance and thriller novel.  I attended the Book Expo America in Los Angeles.  It was a fantastic adventure.  And I gave out a lot of business cards to everyone who would take one.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

No.  I have been happy.  However right now, Trafford is going through a transition.  A larger company has bought them out.  So everything is up in the air.  I can only hope I like the new changes.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

No.  My next novel is due out in 2010.  I was slowed down for a year when we became homeless for a while after the hurricane Ike destruction.  We lived in a hotel for a couple of weeks and then moved to a furnished apartment.  Most of my files, book research, notes, clothes, everything were destroyed.    My next novel is The Bunkhouse, a sci-fi, historical, suspense, romance and mystery novel.

Have I grown, most definitely.  Every day I learn something new.   I love this industry because there is always something new to learn.  Things are always changing.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I do not think I would have done anything different.  The rejections actually reinforced my belief in my novel, Evolution of a Sad Woman. One editor believed in my novel so much she went up against a panel of other editors for me.  However, she was alone.   I received a rejection from her, but with an explanation of how much she liked my book. It was not that it was a bad novel; it was not the successful trend of the time.  Once I waited a little while, things changed.

I do not believe I made any mistakes.  I believe every thing that happened has brought me to this place.  I would not do anything different.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Wow!  Each day for me is an adventure and an accomplishment.  When I check my book sales, I feel elated when they are up.  When I visit a bookstore and see my novel on the shelf, I smile deep in my heart.  At a library when my novel is checked out, it is grand!  Every email from a reader thrills my soul.   One reader told me how she cried when she read my book.  The ending of my novel surprised other readers.  They always tell me to get to work on the next one.  They eagerly await my next novel.  That feels great!

I suppose the most wonderful feeling was when I was at the Book Expo America.  I did a book signing.  Once when I looked up, all these people were in a long line.  I asked why they were all in this line.  The lady from Trafford told me it was to get my autographed book.  What a rush!   I signed so fast my hand became cramped.  But I just shook it off, smiled and kept going.  That moment was when I knew I was an author!

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Psychiatrist.  I love human beings and the human mind.  It has always fascinated me.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

No.  I would never give up being an author.  My little mystery, thriller, suspense, romance book, Evolution of a Sad Woman, has given me so much pleasure.  I feel very happy.  Psychiatrist would be my second choice.  Author will always be my first.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Writing.  I have so many books in my mind that must be told.  Evolution of a Sad Woman is only my first book.  The Bunkhouse will be my second.  Alana – Evolution of a Woman is my third.  Kizzy’s Diary is my fourth.  Time in Vieux Carre is my fifth.  Do you see where I am going here?  They go on and on.   There are many more!

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Being an author is a lot of work.  Writing the book is only the beginning.

Do not give up!  Dreams do come true!

I want to thank you for this interview.  I enjoyed your questions.  It has been a pleasure.

For more information about Gale Laure visit www.galelaure.com (website), www.evolutionofasadwoman.com (blog), or the following:

• www.twitter.com/wwwgalelaurecom

• www.authorsden.com/galelaure

• www.facebook.com/Author.GaleLaure

• www.goodreads.com/galelaureauthor

• www.myspace.com/galelaure-author