Interview with Hillary Quote Book Author Tom Kuiper

Tom Kuiper is a political activist who has followed Hillary Clinton’s career for many years…and is not impressed. Prior to “Yankees Fan,” Kuiper created the “Hillary Quote Deck of Cards” sold on the popular NewsMax site. His present book, I’ve Always Been a Yankees Fan: Hillary Clinton in Her Own Words, is published by World Ahead Media.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Tom. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Thus far, I’ve only done one book, I’ve Always Been a Yankees Fan: Hillary Clinton In Her Own Words. I may do another Hillary quote book, depending on events in 2008.

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

“Yankees Fan” is my first book. (The Deck of Hillary, mentioned above, was my first published work, though)

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 rejected by at least 4 publishing houses before I found my publisher of “Yankees Fan” which is World Ahead Publishing, based in Los Angeles.

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

I was not too surprised I had a hard time getting published, since I was a first-time author. What was surprising for me was the fact that even the conservative publishing houses did not publish it, even though the Foreword of my book was written by Bill Clinton’s former political advisor.

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

World Ahead Publishing, which specializes in conservative titles, decided to publish it in the spring of 2006. I chose them because I wanted someone with solid conservative credentials with access to the conservative media.

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

Obviously it felt wonderful to be a published author. Two great thrills were to see my book listed on Amazon for the first time, and to see it on my shelf at the bookstore. We celebrated by having a book signing in my hometown.

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

I wrote a few articles for some conservative publications, appeared on many radio programs, and even appeared on TV a couple of times. (CNN and MSNBC)

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

I would probably have held out for a mainstream publisher, instead of a smaller, specialized publisher.

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

I have not done any more books, but have done some articles for a number of conservative websites, which include Newsmax, WorldNetDaily, and HumanEvents.

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 only wish I had gotten hooked up with a mainstream, competent book agent. I had an agent for a short time, and I did not like him.

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

My research has been used in a number of Hillary books in the past couple of years. Former Clinton advisor Dick Morris is the most famous, thus far. I sent a copy to Vice-President Dick Cheney a few months ago and got word back that he loved it. I also know that Rudy Giuliani is a fan of the book, having mentioned it on the campaign stump.

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

Talk show host, or producer. I like getting the facts and telling people about them.

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

I’m hoping to combine them, at some point. I would love to do either a radio or TV show based on “Booknotes,” the C-Span program that talks with authors about their books.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope to be my own boss within 10 years, either doing more books or my own radio/TV/internet shows. As I said earlier, I enjoy getting the facts and getting them to the people.

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

Keep at it. It most likely will take years, but the first one is the toughest.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Thomas D. Kuiper, I’ve Always Been a Yankees Fan, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton

Beyond the Books Interview with Regency Romance Author Hazel Statham

Hazel Statham lives in Staffordshire, England. She started writing at fifteen and has written on and off ever since. She’s always been fascinated by history and writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although she has been known to occasionally stray into Medieval times. Writing is a compulsion she just can’t ignore and her work has been mainly influenced by Heyer, Bronte and Austen; although, over the years, she has read many other authors who have inspired her. When she was a child, she often told herself stories and it progressed to committing them to paper to entertain her family and friends. However, there has been gaps in her writing years where marriage and employment have intervended, but now that she no longer works, she is able to return to her first love and that is writing.

Her first two novels were published in 2005. She has been married to her husband, Terry, since 1969 and has a grown daughter and beautiful grandson. Apart from reading and writing historical novels, her other ruling passion is animals and until recently, she was treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities. You can visit her website at http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/ and her blog at http://hazelstatham.blogspot.com/.    

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

This is my second book with Wings ePress.  However both books were briefly published in 2005 by All Romance Books before the company sadly closed due to the owners demise.  I have three more books awaiting publication.  One more with Wings and two with Highland Press. 

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

The first book I wrote was way back in 1962 and it was called ‘Goldacre’.  I was fifteen and thoughts of publication never entered my head.  I wrote purely for pleasure, as I do now.  Publication is just the icing on the cake. 

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 had one rejection before I finally found a publisher.  In the rejection letter they said they would be interested if I changed the story to fit their current needs, but I wasn’t happy with that and instead sought a publisher who would accept it as it was. 

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

It wasn’t really a blow and I didn’t see it as an out and out rejection.  I had no great expectation of my work being accepted and had only submitted after being  badgered to do so by the lecturer who headed the writing group to which I belonged. I have always written for my own pleasure and publication had been the furthest thing from my mind.  However, I was thrilled and delighted when it was accepted without any alterations needed as I wanted the story to remain as it was. 

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

All Romance Books were the first publishers to take my work.  I write ’sweet’ and several publishers I looked at were only interested in the higher heat levels.  However, All Romance published all heat levels.   

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

I just couldn’t believe it.  It was fantastic.  Suddenly something I had done purely for my own amusement became of worth to someone else.  To celebrate, we all went out for a meal. 

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

Self-promotion was alien to me and I found it difficult to put myself forward.  However, I started sending my work out for reviews and was amazed at how kind people can be.  It encouraged me to do interviews and participate in online chats. 

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published? No.  For me, this was the only way to go. 

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

When All Romance closed, I submitted the two manuscripts they had taken, ‘Dominic’ and ‘My Dearest Friend’, to Wings ePress who contracted them immediately.  They also took ‘His Shadowed Heart’.  Highland Press has since accepted ‘Consequence’ and ‘Lizzie’s Rake’.  As an author, I have grown in confidence and now write with the intention of submitting my work. 

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?   

To be honest, things happened very quickly for me.  I had already written six books before I started sending them out - so the material was there ready to submit to publishers.  My biggest hurdle was a lack of self-confidence and it took me a while to realize that my work could be of worth. 

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

I don’t know whether you would think it an accomplishment but although I live in the UK and my work is published in the USA, I was thrilled when the City Council contacted me saying that they wanted copies of my work in all of their libraries and I felt that I had finally arrived! 

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

I can’t think of any profession I would rather follow than being a writer.  However, my other ruling passion is animals and  until recently I was treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities.  I would like to have done more in that direction but closure and my health prevented me from taking it further. 

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

I was still able to follow my compulsion to write whilst working as treasurer, so I guess you would say that I was able to combine the best of both worlds. 

How do you see yourself in ten years? 

Exactly where I am now only, hopefully, with more publications under my belt.  I couldn’t give up being an author as writing is a compulsion I can’t ignore.  It has been a part of my life for so many years that I would be lost without it.  

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

My advise is to write what you know and care about, otherwise the results could disappoint both yourself and your readers. You have to love what you write so that your readers will too. Don’t be discouraged by rejection, write what is closest to your heart and enjoy the process. Soon you will reap the rewards of perseverance. 

*****

MY DEAREST FRIEND VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on Jan. 2, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Hazel’s tour, visit
http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in January.

Hazel’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/ and choreographed by Jean Lauzier.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour, Hazel Statham, My Dearest Friend, Regency Romance  

Interview with BAD GIRLS CLUB Author, Judy Gregerson

Judy Gregerson, author of the young adult fiction novel, Bad Girls Club (Blooming Tree Press, July ‘07), was born at the very end of Long Island on a very warm and sunny summer day. Everyone was happy she made it because the cord was wrapped around her neck and there were a few scary moments before she popped out.

The rest of her life went a little better. She grew up in a town that shut down at 5 p.m. and got out as soon as she found a college that would accept her. That was SUNY Oswego and she attended school with famous people like Bruce Coville, Al Roker, and Jerry Seinfeld. Ok, only Bruce was there at the time and she didn’t know him. But it makes for good copy.

After college, Judy worked as a newpaper copy editor, a marketing assistant at Viking/Penguin, in the advertising department of The New York Times, and then had various jobs at an ad agency, doing public relations, and the likes. Finally, she worked herself into an ulcer and moved to the west coast.

Her first book was published in 1980 by Doubleday (a memoir) and she was named in Who’s Who in America that year. It really didn’t help her any. In fact, no one seems to remember.

Judy now lives in the Seattle area with her two daughters, husband, dog, cat, frog, gerbil, and two mice. She is currently seen doing yard work and getting the mold off her windows.

You can visit her website at www.judygregerson.com  or her blogs at www.imdumbfounded.blogspot.com  and www.thebadgirl2007.livejournal.com.

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

This is my second book. My first book, Save Me! A Young Woman’s Journey Through Schizophrenia to Health was published by Doubleday a LONG time ago. I took an 18 year break and came back to writing about 10 years ago. Of all the novels I worked on, BAD GIRLS CLUB which was just published this year, was about the third or fourth, and it was bought by Blooming Tree Press a year and a half ago.

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

Save Me! A Young Woman’s Journey Through Schizophrenia to Health, Doubleday.

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?

My first book was bought by the first editor who looked at it. I thought I’d gone to heaven. I also thought that was the “norm” of selling books. Boy was I wrong!

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

Well, with this book, which took much longer to sell (5 years), I spent a lot of time venting to my husband. I did my share of acting like an angry author and several times I decided to quit. Actually, I decide to quit about two times a year. Just being able to do that and then go back to it is very helpful for me. It allows me to let go, stop caring, stop fussing, stop complaining, and get on with my life. Then when I come back to it, I’m rid of all that. I can move on.

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

Doubleday published my first book. I chose them because I heard that the editor there was looking for new writers. So, I figured I’d give it a shot. I was pretty green, so I told her in my query to make a decision fast because I wasn’t going to wait too long before I sent it out somewhere else. Of course, I said it in a much nicer way than that, but I truly believed that the book would sell fast and I didn’t want to wait around too long. I heard from Doubleday in a month and had a contract within 3 months.

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

It was very affirming to publish my first book. I went to dinner with friends and drank sangria and ate prime rib. But, when a book is publishing, nothing really happens. The sky doesn’t open up and angels don’t come and sing to you. It’s kind of a dead day other than what you feel inside.

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

I did nothing. Back then, publishers didn’t want authors doing anything. I think they assumed that you’d screw it up.

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

I liked Doubleday. They were very good to me. They wined and dined me and they did a great job on my book. I was listed in Who’s Who in America that year, probably my editor nominated me, but I’m not sure. I wouldn’t do it differently.

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

My latest book, BAD GIRLS CLUB, was published this summer by Blooming Tree Press, a young indy press in Austin, Texas. My writing changed a lot between book one and two. I became more literary in the sense that I learned how to use symbolism and setting as a character, although my book isn’t really literary fiction. I learned to write deeper, explore a theme more fully, and to develop characters more fully. This is all good; it makes for better writing.

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?

You know, I’ve thought about all that for a long time and I’ve rolled it around my brain. I don’t think there was anything that I could have done differently. It’s a process that you have no control over, which is what makes it so darned hard. You’re at the mercy of the gods and you just have to keep trying and keep waiting. I always try to do my best, so I’m not the kind of person who walks around thinking, “Darn, I could have done that better.” I just do my best. And then I let things fall where they may, which might be in my favor or might not. There’s no telling.

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

I’m starting my own radio show on internet radio in the spring. That came out of nowhere and it wasn’t something I could ever have dreamed up. I fell into it and it’s a whole new area for me to explore. I’m really excited about it. I’ll be able to interview authors and talk about books.

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

A psychoanalyst. That’s really what I should have become. But it seemed like so much work and so much college. I recently went back to college to get a degree in Human Development which will open the door for me to work with troubled teens. I’ve waited a long time to do this (I’ve been raising kids who are now grown) and I’m kind of excited about it. But I won’t go beyond a B.S. I don’t like school that much.

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

I think that I’ll probably always write or be writing something, no matter what I do. I’m not one of those writers who HAS to write. I write when I want, what I want. I took an 18 year break between my first and my second book, so that tells you a lot. I don’t fit the profile that people throw out for a writer. In fact, some would probably tell me that I’m not really a writer since I don’t HAVE to write. But, I don’t care. I write when I have something to say and when I don’t, I don’t write. To me, it’s more about having something to say than just producing books. I’d probably be an agent’s nightmare.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully, still alive. But honestly, I have no clue. I want to sell another book or two. I have one finished that I’m trying to find an agent for and I have another that is about a third done. But books take me time. I can’t crank them out in a year. I might work on them for several years. Or five years. Or more. So, hopefully, I’ll have sold another book or two. I’ll be rich and living in Tahiti.

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

Learn not to connect your worth with your writing. If you do, it’s deadly. Your writing is your writing. Your value is rooted in other things and if you can separate them, you can ride out the storms in trying to sell a book or publish one. Also, be yourself. Do it your way, do it when you want, and the only time to really listen is when several people are telling you the same thing. Take note when that happens and think about what they’re saying. Otherwise, just go for it and be willing to ride it out because it can take some time.

***

ATTENTION!!! Buy one of Judy’s books at AMAZON, send US an online copy of the receipt before January 31 and she will send you an autographed bookmark, PLUS other incentives including free ebooks from Pump Up Your Book Promotion! Click HERE to find out what other incentives you can receive!

Judy’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/ and choreographed by Cheryl Malandrinos.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Judy Gregerson, Bad Girls Club, domestic violence

Interview with Autobiographer Amanda Young

Amanda is a Registered Nurse with a degree in Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy. She won the Award of Excellence for nursing assessement from St. Joseph and St. Jude Home Health. She is also the author of the biography, Silent Prisoner.

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

Print on demand publishing with Booksurge.com, now. I have done print on demand in previous year.

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

Megan’s Unicorn. I was rejected by more than I could remember of publishers. I then decided to with that story in 2001 do print on demand. It was my dream to see my book in print and with cover and that way I did fulfill my dream. Not in a big way but I was able to give to friends as a gift, my book.

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 can’t remember. I stopped counting after, I think, 15. Then I went to print on demand, iuniverse.com in the past.

I use Booksurge.com now and I have liked them. I have learned lots through the process and glad I did.

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

At first, because the idea of the story came to me in a dream I had this idea that I had something special and grand given to me by some mystical source. Then I was shocked to find out that so did everyone else out there. I began talking with people and found out that there was a writer in everyone. I really did not have any idea there were so many writing and then I knew why I was rejected. Plus I did not have an agent as they told me I needed. I still believe in my story ‘Megan’s Unicorn,’ and they all are wonderful to me. So I published with print on demand. To do as I said, to still fulfill my dream of seeing them in print and maybe someone out there is suppose to read my words. This way I know they will have a better chance.

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

Iuniverse.com — to put books in print

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

As I said I published with print on demand and put them out for gifts for friend’s years ago. It was an odd feeling when I opened the box the first books came in. I had ordered several to give to friends. Seeing my name on the books with my words inside was like an out of body experience. I sat on the sofa for a long time holding the book and stared at it. Almost like the way a mother looked down at their child. I wished then that my aunt was alive to see my book that I thought was grand. My aunt loved to read and she thought that I was special.

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

Again, this is back in 2001. Those books then were the beginning of a long journey for me. ‘Silent Prisoner’ has been a seven year journey for me of putting that into print. I have put the first books done for gifts back into print with Booksurge.com. They have a lot of good resources and I liked them very much. I highly recommend anyone looking over their sight.

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

As I said, I tried but for me without an agent for me print on demand was the only route I could go.

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

I have put ‘Silent Prisoner’ out November 2007 with print on demand with Booksurge.com and some other books. I had sent the story to publishers over the years and will patiently wait and see what will come back my way. Rejection does not bother me so much now. I am proud of what I have done and glad to see my words out there anyway. Someone may need to read especially ‘Silent Prisoner.’

Have I grown as an author? Oh my goodness, I cannot begin to say how difficult this process has been and how much I have grown. I would like to say that it has been a pleasure and a wonderful road. It has been harder than I could have ever imagined and yet, I love it. I never thought I would say that but, oh my gosh, it feels so good when I can scream at the computer when I am writing. My words my not find their way on your lap in a book but they have given me more therapy than I ever got on my therapist sofa. That is the truth.

If anyone feels that they have a desire to write. I say, do it! It may not go onto a best selling list. It may be only to clean out the carefully hidden dark spaces in the soul where a sad and wounded little girl was hiding and holding onto old memories that needed to be let go of. And for that, I am thankful.

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 have made so many mistakes but that is how I have learned. I still have no idea of what I am doing quite a bit of the time, to be perfectly honest. So I don’t how I could have avoided my wrong turns. As far as speeding things up, can you speed things up with publishing?

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

That I did not hit ‘delete’ when I had highlighted all of the manuscript of ‘Silent Prisoner’ and instead click “accept print.” I did not know if I would be able to put my life out there for everyone to read. It was so awful and sad and I wanted to just bury it but then I told myself I had worked too hard on the manuscript and myself to throw it away.

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

I am a nurse and that is my chosen career and writing chose me not the other way around. But I love nature and so would I would like to work with helping to save nature and animals.

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

Again, I do not call myself an author. I do not know when one has the right to call themselves and author. I put my books in print on demand. Does one have to be published by a large house to be called an author? Is it that I have words in print and that is how I am an author? Or is it a college degree in writing that makes one an author? My words are my passion. I schedule my life around time to write now. I am looking for an apartment that will suite my writing needs and comfort. In the past it would have been for only me. Now, my computer has first dibs. A bed to rest and a table to write on is all I need now, correct?

How do you see yourself in ten years?

An urgent care doctor told me the other day when I was in his office and handing him some flyers on my book ‘Silent Prisoner’ that I will not change people with my story. He is a bit bitter I would say as he sees so much abuse and domestic violence.

A mother then walked by and was holding onto her sick little girl’s hand. “I will affect that little girl’s life,” I told him. He smiled at me and said, “I understand what you are doing now.”

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

Do it! Put your words one paper. It will touch you in ways that I cannot begin to tell you. When someone reads your words that you painstakingly put on paper and then gives you ‘that smile’ and ‘that look’ and for goodness sakes if they ask in a surprised way “Did you write this?” You cannot even imagine the feeling that is. It is truly, awesome! Good luck to everyone! Keep writing.

Thank you.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Amanda Young, Silent Prisoner, domestic violence

Interview with Historical Romance Author Carole Whang Schutter

Carole Whang Schutter was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii and is an evangelical Christian. Carole has been a motivational speaker to live audiences, and on TV and radio shows. She now occupies her time writing, skiing and hiking in Aspen.

Her enduring interest in religion and passion for history led her to write “September Dawn,” her first screenplay written in collaboration with Director/Producer Christopher Cain which inspired the novel “September Dawn.” Currently, she is working on several screenplays, and a historical novel about her home state Hawaii.

You can visit her website at http://www.cwschutter.com/  or the movie’s website at http://www.septemberdawn.com/ .

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

Published for the first time. If one doesn’t count my first book which I did for myself and friends that I’m now redoing called Miracles Happen.

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

My very first book was something I wrote when I was a 13. The second when I was a senior in college. I don’t even remember the names. They were destroyed in a fire in the days before computers. The first book that I actually have is called “The Ohana,” which I am reworking. I was 29, didn’t know anything about publishing, sent a thousand page unsolicited ms. to Scott Meredith because I read he was the top agent in the US. He actually wrote back to me. Told me no one would publish a 1000 pages from an unknown writer but that he liked the books so much he encouraged me to write a 250 page book and become established, and then he felt with credibility behind me, he could get it published. In those days, it didn’t take much to discourage me, and I was a newly wed with a baby. So, I gave up writing for a long time.

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?

Maybe a dozen or more rejections. Then my agent suggested I self publish because no one could get the book out in time for the movie.

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

I was very disappointed. But I just encouraged myself in the Lord and didn’t let myself get too down.

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

Authorhouse. My editor, Kathi Macias suggested them. They had done a good job for her and she made money on her books.

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

I felt wonderful when I saw the final copy. No celebration though.

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

I hired a publicist that Kathi recommended.

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

I’m not sure. It’s easier to self-publish and the % is greater. But if I were offered a huge advance, it would be hard to turn down.

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

No, but I’ve sold another screenplay which hopefully will go into production next year.

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 would have read Kathi’s book Train of Thought before my first edit. I don’t know what I would have done differently except for that. I think one has to polish one’s book and write the way publishers want you to write. I think I’m more of a screenplay writer, put the important things in, make the story move quickly without leaving out the important stuff and pay a lot of attention to dialogue and script the action in an interesting way.

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

Getting great reviews. Except for one review by someone of a certain religious persuasion, my reviews have been great. It is satisfying.

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

Nothing. I love writing. I’ve always loved writing. Maybe I prefer screenplays, but not necessarily. It depends on the story. For me, everything is the story. My characters become very real to me. I laugh and cry with them. But it is the story that moves me to write.

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

I think I answered the question.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Still writing movies and books.

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

Never give up. Persist in all that you do. And although only 1.1% of all screenwriters actually have a movie made, many screenwriters make a living selling scripts that are never made. You could consider screenwriting. There are far less people you have to convince. Everything is the story, unless you are writing non-fiction. But whatever you do, write with passion. Be completely involved in what you write. Sometimes even great writers sometimes fall into a conundrum of formula writing and it shows. Be honest and real. But most of all, be persistent.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Carole Whang Schutter, September Dawn, historical romance novel, Mountain Meadow Massacre, religious+terrorism

Interview with Biographer Anita Hackley-Lambert, Author of F.H.M. MURRAY: FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF A FORGOTTEN PIONEER FOR CIVIL JUSTICE

Anita Hackley-Lambert is the former President/CEO of a fifteen year old information technology and engineering services firm and current founder of Hackley-Lambert Enterprises, Inc., an emerging portfolio of business opportunities, including HLE Publishing from which she has launced her new writing career.

Anita has envisioned a career in writing ever since the age of twelve, when she wrote her first unpublished book, NO WHERE TO RUN, a compelling story of sexual assaults she suffered beginning at age five. She was inspired to write the life story of F.H.M. Murray, because of a promise she made to her mother to acknowledge and honor Murray’s legacy. With publication of this book, the author hopes to spark the interest of historians, educators, scholars, educational institutions, black history collectors, genealogists, students, and family members of this outstanding historical figure. Her greatest desire is that each reader will come to know the essence of the man, F.H.M. Murray.

Anita currently has 3 new books slated for publication in 2008, plus 12 works-in-progress. Her future writing projects include such genres as autobiographical, biographical, inspirational, true ghost stories, suspense, and fiction. You can visit her website at www.anitahackleylambert.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Anita. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

I am a first time published author.

Title of Book:
F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice
Genre: Biography, American History, Black History
ISBN: 1-4196-4119-0
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Publication Date: August 2006

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 No Where to Run. I completed it at the age of twelve. I was about my life as a sexually abused child. It was not published because I knew nothing about that field. However, I am bringing it out under a separate title. If not this year, then the next. It all depends on how many other books I can complete this year.

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?

My first book never got published. But I can tell you that my sixth grade English teacher told me that other than grammatical errors, he thought I should pursue getting it published.

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

Fortunately, I did not receive rejections. I realized that my book was one of a kind and that I was making history by recording history. So I chose to self publish and avoid rejection because my story was long over due. Rejection was never an option.

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

To use BookSurge to print my book. HUGE MISTAKE. It cost me thousands of dollar about 3 times a much as anywhere and I did not get the quality I paid for. Because of a request from the Harpers Ferry Historical Park, my book was a rush to press to meet their event deadline.

Nevertheless, I must give them credit for keeping my urgent deadline. I had to keep on top with them but they came through on time. I am still NOT pleased with the final product. I simply did not get what I paid extra for.

My advice to other writers, unless they have improved their service – use another company if cannot do it yourself.

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

This is an emotional question for me. I takes me back to that very day. I had mixed emotions. I cried. I laughed. And, for a second, I was relieved. All those years of research, travel, writing, self-neglect, had finally paid off. Most importantly, I had kept my promise to my mother, who had made a promise both to her mother and to her grandfather, Freeman Henry Morris Murray. Wow, it’s so real! (sniffing)

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

However, following that, my biggest challenge was generating a marketing and promotional budget. I searched for FREE and economic methods. In the end, I accomplish my goal for the book, but not my personal goal for building a residual income. This is a goal I plan to master, this year.

You know, marketing, promoting, and media exposure are each of those are important and come with some hurdles, especially for first-time or unknown authors. However, for me, media exposure has been the greatest hurdle, although I am waiting to hear from a few high-powered celebrities. (LOL) BIG dream, huh? Perhaps, but I expect to be blessed. I am a BIG dreamer, a visionary, and have a lot of faith.

The next is marketing and promotions. I did most of this on my own and that was good. It was not enough. From here out, I am praying for support from others. My goals are far too big for me to do alone. I cannot explain this, but whosoever helps me is blessed. This is just the way it has always been. So, if you are out there, Whosoever, I am waiting to hear from you. (LOL)

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

Absolutely. This is why I started my own company, HLE Publishing. I will come out with a revised second edition of my book in 2008, under my own company. In addition to that I have 3 others to complete, as well as publishing for new authors.

I plan to never use BookSurge again.

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

I have not published my second book yet. But I should have it published soon. I am so excited to get this book out because it will free me up to jump in on some books I started years ago.

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?

Speed was not an issue. The truth is that my book was a rush job to meet a historical deadline. One thing I will do differently is to have my book go through more editing. I think my biggest mistake was that I did not have enough time to use the publisher I had chose the previous year. In the end, I have a great book, one that is greatly appreciated.

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

Before I can answer this question, I must give credit God Almighty. For God has supernaturally blessed me. The only reason, my book is not as popular as it will become, is because there are more people He plans for me to meet and more places for me to go. I realize these statements may be difficult for some to understand, so please let me tell everyone that I was given a death sentence over 28 years ago. I am still here and healthy. Plus God has miraculously healed me of several other serious ailments – leaving the doctors baffled.

When I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2000, I was not sure if I would finish my book. But, the Lord actually spoke to me and healed me. It is because of this miracle, I can now answer your question.

To properly answer your question about “the best thing that’s happened since becoming a published writer”, I need to give a few exciting details of what happened just prior to publishing, I sent out press releases and email marketing three months in advance. Before my book came of the press, I had personally sold over one hundred. By the time the book was available, I had speaking engagements, presented scholar papers, performed in a historical drama reenactment, met with and had photos taken with some of Americas great African American leaders, like David Lewis, Congressman Walter Fontroy, Dr. Henry Lewis Gates, actor and orator Fred Morsell, great granddaughter of W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. DuBois Irving, and others. The blessing continued in the form of invitations came in for book signings, interviews, and several Radio interviews.

Okay, now for the really “best thing.” Well, it is actually two best things. Let’s see. My book has been accepted into the Prince George’s County Public Library System, as well as the MLK Library in Washington, D.C. However, my most valuable and treasured moment, came when the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park service devoted Black History Month 2007 with an official exhibit and ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of F.H.M. Murray. Realizing my dream and fulfilling a promise to my mother, to have her grandfather get the recognition he deserved, was worth all the sacrifices. To top it off, Harpers Ferry officials are working to have black history books updated with the validated information from my book. I am truly blessed!

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

Actually, I have many professions. In addition to being a published author, I am an Evangelist, speaker, publisher, IT specialist, entrepreneur with several businesses, founded a writers group, and will launch a monthly newspaper this year.

I do not have a favorite because I love them all.

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

I have combined them all into a wonderful world of passion filled events and pressing deadlines. I love it.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to be Evangelizing around the world, full time.

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

Yes. Never stop writing and never give up on yourself, “you can become as BIG as you can dream.”

Tags: Beyond the Books, author interview, virtual book tour, Anita Hackley-Lambert, NAACP

Interview with Kathleen Willey, Author of TARGET: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON

Kathleen Willey — wife, mother and Democratic political activist — was working as a White House volunteer when, in 1993, President Clinton sexually assaulted her in the Oval Office. On the same day, her husband of 23 years committed suicide.

Four years later, she was drawn into the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit and subsequently, the Monica Lewinsky scandal, when she was forced to testify against Bill Clinton.

Despite being targeted by the Clintons for daring to tell the truth and becoming the focus of media smear campaigns, terror tactics, and witness intimidation, Ms. Willey has pursued a successful career in real estate, and is a popular commentator on political affairs. She currently lives in Virginia.

Kathleen is the author of TARGET: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON (World Ahead Media).

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Kathleen. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton is my first book.

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

While the idea for “Target” was percolating in my head for years, this was the first time I sat down to write a book.

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?

My experience was a little different, because the publisher of my book encouraged me to write it.

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

While I haven’t endured that aspect of a writer’s life, I know several people who have…and it’s tough! Persistence and just not giving up are the ways they’ve dealt with it. This is a difficult business, particularly when you are a first-time author.

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

I met Eric Jackson, CEO of World Ahead Media several years ago. His company had published several books critical of the Clintons, and I knew that he was both sympathetic to my story and anxious to help me tell it. “Target” came out November 2007, timed for the presidential primaries.

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

I don’t need to tell the writers out there how much of a sense of accomplishment is attached to publishing a book! And of course, this was a story that I felt strongly had to be told, a story that needs to reach as many people as possible. As for celebrating, I kicked off my publicity on the Sean Hannity Show. There’s no place like New York when it comes to acknowledging a big milestone.

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

I worked with a publicist, which I think is a must for this type of book. I know a lot of people in the media myself and of course put the word out, and was gratified by the response. The opportunity to do a “virtual book tour” was helpful as well, particularly because blogs offer a great route to readers who don’t necessarily pay attention to typical mainstream media outlets. I’ve done over 150 interviews with more to come.

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

My route wasn’t as circuitous as most…but I sure respect those writers whose journey has taken months or years!

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

I can’t recall who said it, but a few years ago an author said that promoting her books was harder than writing them in some ways. She felt that as important as promoting your book is, it’s exhausting and takes time away from your next book, and I can see how that is true. I have plenty of ideas for a book to follow “Target,” but at this point I am concentrating on it exclusively, beyond writing some editorials on the election and the candidates.

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?

One of the main issues for me was deciding the best time for the book to come out. When would it have the most impact? I also wanted it to be absolutely up-to-date in terms of the Clintons and the 2008 elections. At one time I was aiming for a 2006 release, but once I decided 2007 would be more timely, it changed the rhythm of my writing. I was able to go more in-depth on issues, something that wouldn’t have been possible if I’d stuck to the original release date idea.

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

I am proud that “Target” has not only sold well, but has the potential to influence the 2008 primaries and election. That was my goal, and I believe I’ve succeeded.

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

Cold as it is in Virginia right now, I’d like to be doing anything that has a beach setting to it!

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

Writing is by no means the easiest thing in the world, but it is a wonderful way to express yourself while potentially influencing thousands of people. I’m fortunate in that I enjoy my primary job, which is in real estate. Writing is a great adjunct to that.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Happy - particularly if I am successful in helping end the Clinton dynasty.

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

Writers are well-known for their tendency to stay at home (the better to create their own worlds), but getting out, meeting people and telling them what you are up to is in some ways just as important as the writing itself. A great book proposal isn’t enough these days - you need to sell yourself as well.

Tags: virtual book tour, Kathleen Willey, Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Hillary Clinton, primaries, president+clinton