Beyond the Books Interview with Contemporary Romance Author LaConnie Taylor-Jones

LaConnie Taylor-Jones, a native Memphian, is a health educator consultant and holds advanced degrees in community public health and business administration. Married, she is the mother of four and resides with her family in Antioch, California located in Northern California. She is also an active member of the Contra Costa Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the African American Community Health Advisory Committee, Black Women Organized for Political Action, and the San Francisco Area and Black Diamond chapters of Romance Writers of America. You can visit her website at http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com/.

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

Hello everyone and thanks so much for having me!! Yes, I am a new author in the literary world with two full-length novels to my credit.

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

November 6, 2007 marked the release of my debut novel, When I’m With You. My second release, When A Man Loves A Woman will hit store shelves April 1, 2008. I’m in contract negotiations for my third novel, which hopefully will release either late 2008 or early 2009.

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?

Sixty-eight rejects found their way inside my mailbox between September and December 2005.

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

Of all the rejections I received, the first two were the toughest. After that, whenever I saw that familiar manila envelope inside my mailbox, which was the SASE I’d originally sent in, I’d simply shrug and became even more determined than ever to one day sale my manuscript.

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

Genesis Press published my first two books. I chose Genesis for a couple of reasons. First, they are the largest privately-owned African American book publisher and about a year ago and a half ago formed a distribution partnership with Kensington. Secondly, some of the most well-known African American romance authors got their start with Genesis. As a new author, I was willing to learn from the ground up and I’ve never regretted the decision.

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

I had an overwhelming sense of accomplishment after almost three years of trying to get my manuscripts in front of editors.

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

The very first thing I did was research those venues that promoted to my target audience to determine the types of marketing plans they had and contacted them. Also, I did a lot of old-fashion word of mouth promotion.

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

Absolutely not!! In the last thirteen months, I’ve gone through experiences that have helped me grow as an author. I’ve also gained a better understanding of how the publishing industry really works. I wouldn’t take anything for my journey.

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

Yes, my second book, When A Man Loves A Woman releases on April 1, 2008. Without a doubt, I’ve grown! Writing is like anything else, the more you do it, the better you become at it. Make no mistake, though. I’m still a fledgling writer, but with each completed novel, I see myself improving.

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 learned quickly that there’s nothing you can do to speed things along in the literary world!! Patience became my best friend and fortunately helped me avoid many of the pitfalls new authors tend to make.

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

Ranking #3 on the 2007 Best Sellers List for Mosiac.com only seven weeks after my debut release.

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

By trade, I’ve been a public health educator for the past fifteen years.

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

I’ve actually been fortunate enough to combine the best of both worlds. The inspiration and premise for my stories comes from experience as a health educator.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I plan to become a New York Times Bestselling author with at least twenty novels to my credit.

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

The first tip I’d give is to prepare. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways: reading books from authors published in the genre you’re writing in, taking courses or workshops, entering contests, and if possible, speaking with published authors in your targeted genre. Once you have a workable draft of your manuscript, join a critique group and above all, accept constructive feedback. All of these things will help in the end so that you’re providing a quality product for agents and editors to review.

A couple of books I’d highly encourage writers to purchase are: Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen and Writing Novels that Sells by Jack Bickham.

Check out LaConnie’s website at http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com/ to see how you can win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

LaConnie’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Cheryl Malandrinos.

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Author Interview: Crime Fiction Novelist Marilyn Meredith

Marilyn Meredith is the author of award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as other novels. The latest is, Judgment Fire, from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the latest, Smell of Death from Tigress Press. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She was an instructor for Writer’s Digest School for ten years, served as an instructor at the Maui Writer’s Retreat and many other writer’s conferences. She makes her home in Springville, much like Bear Creek where Deputy Tempe Crabtree lives. For many years, she lived in a beach community much like Rocky Bluff.

You can visit her website at http://www.fictionforyou.com/  or her blog at http://www.marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/.

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

I’m along way from my first time. I’m not exactly sure which published book this makes, over twenty. It’s just as thrilling now as it was then.

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

Trail to Glory was my first published book. The two I wrote before that I threw away when they were rejected once. (Something I definitely regret.) Trail to Glory was an historical family saga based on my family’s genealogy.

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 received nearly thirty rejections before I received a contract. However, I must tell you that I rewrote the book several times. After I joined a wonderful critique group (one I still belong to, by the way) and they gave their input and I rewrote it for the final time, that’s when it was accepted for publication.

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

Different from how I’d acted from previous rejections, I just kept sending the book out. Of course I was busy writing another book at the same time.

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

Dorchester published Two Ways West. I picked them out from the publishers in Writers Market.

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

I walked out to the mailbox and got the envelope from Dorchester. I opened it on the way back from the house and started jumping up and down and screaming. I’m sure the neighbors thought something bad happened. When I actually held the book in my hand, it was absolutely thrilling. I can’t really remember what I did to celebrate. Probably husband and I went out to dinner. It was back in the days before email so I’m sure I made a lot of phone calls.

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

Unfortunately, I had no clue what should be done for promotion. The free books that the publisher sent me I gave away. I knew nothing about reviews. I did have a booksigning at our local bookstore and gave a talk at a writers group. I sent out notices to people. This was all in the days before the Internet. No one I knew had a clue about promotion and the publisher didn’t give me any suggestions.

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

That was my first and only experience with a New York publisher. What I should have done differently was to get an agent before I signed my contract.

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

I’ve been published many, many times since then—and many bad experiences along with the good. I was published by two publishers who turned out to be crooks—one even spent some time in jail. I’ve had two publishers who died and publishers who didn’t pay royalties like they should.

As far as growing as an author, I’m definitely seasoned. I know that no matter how good I think a manuscript might be, besides running it by my critique group, I need an editor who knows what she is doing to go over it before I sent it off to my publisher. I also expect the publisher’s editor to make changes.

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?

Except for being an avid reader, I didn’t know much about the rules of writing. I learned the most from my critique group and writing conferences and also an agent I had for awhile. If I had known more about the rules of writing before I started sending my manuscripts out, I might not have received so many rejections.

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

I’ve won some great awards for several of my books. Probably one of the most fun things was being asked to be an instructor for the Maui Writers Retreat. Whenever I finish a book, I feel like I’ve made a big accomplishment.

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

I’ve had several different professions: Telephone Operator, Pre-School Teacher, and for twenty-two years, my husband and I owned and operated a licensed facility for the developmentally disabled.

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

Because I always wrote even while I was employed in other professions, I definitely combined the best of both worlds. Even today I have other side jobs that I do—mainly to help pay for the promotion of my books.

I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and I do enjoy being around all of my off-spring. My husband and I do a lot of fun things together. We love going to movies and he almost always goes with me to mystery cons and conferences.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope I’m still able to do what I’m doing now.

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

Never give up! But also, make sure your manuscript is as good as it possibly can be before sending it off. Have someone check it over who knows about editing and writing. Be sure you follow the publisher’s guidelines for submission.

My latest book is Smell of Death written as F. M. Meredith. My son-in-law was a police officer and always mentioned how phony police TV and movies were because the police never have one case they are working on. We were friends with may police officers and there families and I saw first hand how the job affected the family and what was going on in the family affected the police officer. I tried to portray this in all of the Rocky Bluff P.D. novels. To learn more about me and my books, visit http://www.fictionforyou.com.

Marilyn’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Cheryl Malandrinos.

Leave a comment below and you can win a free copy of Smell of Death!

Interview with Author Camille Marchetta

Born in Brooklyn, Camille Marchetta received her BA in English Literature from the College of New Rochelle, and later studied fiction with noted writer Anatole Broyard at The New School in New York City. Shortly afterward, on a visit to England, she fell in love with the country, decided to stay, and was fortunate enough to find work with Richard Hatton Limited, a theatrical and literary agency, in a few years becoming a literary director of the company.

The agency was small but powerful, its client list including well-known writers, directors, and actors such as Sean Connery, Malcolm McDowell, and Leo McKern. Among the writers with whom Ms. Marchetta worked were Robert Shaw, author of many award-winning novels and plays (though he is best known in the United States for his acting performances in To Russia With Love and Jaws); the playwright Richard Harris, whose Stepping Out appeared on Broadway; and Anthony Shaffer, who wrote Sleuth, a hit in the West End, on Broadway, and as a feature film.

Returning to the States, Ms. Marchetta went to Hollywood, found an agent, and eventually got an assignment on the Dallas mini-series. Asked to join the staff, she remained until the series soared to the top of the ratings. With that, her career in television was established. She wrote television movies, pilots for new series, produced Nurse, which won Michael Learned an Emmy, and Dynasty in the season it finally crept past Dallas in the ratings and reached number one.

In 1985, Ms. Marchetta took a sabbatical from television, returned to London, and, fulfilling a lifetime ambition, wrote her first novel, Lovers and Friends, which was published in the United States in 1989 and subsequently in England, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Following its publication, Ms. Marchetta co-executive-produced Falcon Crest, co-authored two best-selling novels with Ivana Trump, and worked as a story consultant on the television series, Central Park West. St. Martin’s Press published her second novel, The Wives of Frankie Ferraro, in 1998. The River By Moonlight is her most recent book.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Camille. 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’m really excited to be doing this. It may be old hat to you, but I’m still a stranger in a strange land on the internet. It seems a wonderful adventure. Thank you for inviting me.

The River, By Moonlight is my third novel. My first, Lovers and Friends was published by William Morrow in 1989. St. Martin’s Press published my second, The Wives of Frankie Ferraro, in 1998. It was a long time between books. I spent the years before and after each one, in television, writing.

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 didn’t get far enough to have a name. Or get published. I started it when I was eight, writing in a green notebook in turquoise ink, with a quill, no less. (My best guess is that I had just seen a film about the 19th century French novelist, Georges Sand. That’s the way she wrote, so I thought I ought to as well.) I got as far as Chapter 5, I think. I can’t remember why I stopped, but final exams probably had something to do with it.

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 don’t remember any rejections for Lovers and Friends. My agent submitted it simultaneously to several publishers. I don’t suppose all of them made offers, but I’ve forgotten the ones who didn’t. I was too excited by the positive responses for the negative ones to register. The whole process took less than a month. I was very lucky.

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

As I said, getting Lovers and Friends published was easy. The Wives of Frankie Ferraro was more difficult. Because writing it was taking me so long, I decided at one point to submit only the first section of the novel to William Morrow, something I’d never done before, and haven’t since. My editor was long gone, and whoever took his place turned it down. I was crushed. I sank into a really black mood. I had all the usual dark thoughts. Was it worth going on? All that sort of thing. Ultimately, I did continue, mostly because for me the only cure for the blues is writing. It took a while to finish, but once the novel was done, fortunately, the response to it was good. Within a few weeks, it got a couple of offers.

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

William Morrow made the best offer but there were reasons beyond the financial ones for accepting it. The editor at the Arbor House imprint, Alan Williams, who actually bought the novel, seemed to think it was not only a commercial book, but a good one. That mattered to me a lot. It was the right decision. He was a fabulous editor.

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

How do you feel when a dream comes true? I was over the moon with joy when I heard the book was accepted for publication. I called my family, my friends. Beyond that, I don’t remember. I was delirious. I’d wanted to be a published writer for as long as I could remember, and then I was.

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

I threw myself a big party at the Bel Air Hotel in Beverly Hills. My family was in New York, but lots of my friends came, and people I’d worked with over the years, and because many of them were actors, the press showed up too. I had some newspaper interviews and William Morrow took an ad in The New York Times, but nothing was as good as the party. I’m not sure it sold all that many books, but it was so much fun. And a great present to myself.

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

No, I wouldn’t have done anything differently with Lovers and Friends. The whole experience was a joy.

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

I had a second book published in 1998. And of course now there’s The River, By Moonlight, which I’ve self-published. That’s been a lot of hard work, but I have to say I’ve enjoyed it, and I’m very proud of myself for having done it. It’s a huge accomplishment. I loved being in total control of the process.

How I’ve grown as an author is a more difficult question for me to answer. I’m not sure I know. I suppose with each passing year I’ve accumulated more knowledge, more information anyway, and insight, and perhaps my craft is a little more polished. But I’m not really convinced of it, or convinced that it matters. Often I think the whole process is out of my hands. Once I choose a story (or the story chooses me, however it is), the book itself settles on a form, a style, characters. That’s how it feels. But I do work very hard, rewriting constantly, to tell my story in as interesting and entertaining a way as I can. Even if it’s a sad story. I want my readers to have a good time reading.

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 could have worried less about earning a living and spent more time just writing. That would have speeded up things. There would have been less time between books, meaning more momentum going forward (and I think momentum matters a lot). And I could have ignored all the advice I got to leave the publicity for the novels to the publishers, and handled it myself – as I’m doing now.

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

Writing two more books. I imagine other authors might take it for granted that they’ll just go on writing, that they’ll start and finish book after book, but for me each one is difficult to begin, difficult to keep going, and downright amazing to complete.

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

Oh, I can think of a whole list of things, but at the top of it would be diplomat. I would have loved those foreign postings, the chance to live in different countries and experience their cultures at first hand.

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

I don’t think I could ever NOT write. And imagine all the wonderful stories a Foreign Service diplomat would encounter in the course of a day’s work.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

At my desk writing; or if I’m not there, I’m traveling. That’s been my pattern so far, and I like it, so I see no reason to change.

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

When I was in college, wanting desperately to be a writer and sorely in need of encouragement, I had an English teacher (let her not be nameless, Mother Marie Louise) who seemed to me to take every opportunity to belittle my talent. No matter how hard I tried, or what I accomplished (getting a story published in the school magazine, winning a prize in a short story competition, having a poem placed in a poetry review) the only thing she would ever say to me in acknowledgement was, “well, you certainly are persistent.” I used to wither away inside each time. It took me years to understand that, though she was right – I am persistent, however she meant it (not kindly, I’m sure), it was, in reality, a great compliment. Persistence is a quality I’m grateful to have. Its importance to a writer can’t be overestimated. Talent matters, yes, and luck, but neither will get you very far if you can’t keep yourself going through the bad times. So, my final words: Be persistent. Never give up.

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Interview with Literary Fiction Author Aram Schefrin

Aram Schefrin is the author of four novels. He is a pioneer in the new art of podcasting fiction. He practices law in Rhode Island and Florida, and was lyricist and guitarist for Ten Wheel Drive, a rock group which had its moment of fame in the early 1970’s. He lives in Wellington, Florida with his wife, two dogs, four cats and three polo ponies.

You can visit his website at www.aramschefrin.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Aram. 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)?

“Marwan” is the first book I have published in print. But I have published three other novels in audio format: “Glorious”, which is the story of General Custer told by Frederick Benteen, who hated him; “Consider the Elephant,” the life and death of John Wilkes Booth as told by his brother Edwin; and “The Tenth Cow.” Those three books (as well as “Marwan”) are online at podiobooks.com, and three of them (excluding “Glorious”) are available from audible.com.

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

“Glorious.” It was circulated by an agent about ten years ago and did not find a buyer.

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?

“Marwan” was circulated in 2003 by a agent, and rejected by about eighteen publishers.

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

I resented the rejections. Then I wrote another book.

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

Leaving out the audio versions, “Marwan” was published by AuthorHouse. I chose them because they were efficient and helpful.

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

I didn’t get a charge from self-publishing. I didn’t celebrate.

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

Sent the book to important people I hoped would read it, gave it to the press and placed it in local bookstores.

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

If I had the option, of course.

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

I plan on putting out “The Tenth Cow” in about three months. It’s the first book I did which I had to plot completely – the others were based on history and were pre-plotted. It turned out pretty good.

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?

If I’d lived in New York and networked there, I think I’d have done better.

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

A review in the Naples Sun Times gave me some very nice validation.

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

I am a lawyer.

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

I would give up the law for writing, if that were possible.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Old.

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

The internet (and the “long tail”) have made it possible to put out a book today and keep it on sale, in focus and fresh for years. On the other hand, access to a publisher has become more and more difficult. My advice would be to get to know everyone you possibly can who has any connection with literature, and if that doesn’t work, put the book out yourself and stay on top of it.

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Interview with Paranormal Author Deborah Woehr

Deborah Woehr is a writer, designer, and problogger who lives in San Jose, California with her husband and two children. She earned her A.S. in Computer Graphics in 1993 and began writing in 1997, publishing one short story and several articles. Currently, she is a freelance writer for Syntagma Media. In 2006, she edited and published the 2006 Writer’s Blog Anthology, a collection of essays and poems written by bloggers. Her novel, Prosperity, will be available on Amazon in February. You can visit her website at www.deborahwoehr.com.  

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Deborah. 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)?

This is my third published book. I published the 2006 Writer’s Blog Anthology, which is a collection of blogged essays and poems by the writers I met that year. Earlier this year, I self-published a “blook” (a book written on a blog) entitled God’s Last Twilight.

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

Black Roses. This was my very first attempt at writing a novel. It was about a serial killer who stalked a successful real estate agent/mom. The main reasons I didn’t query publishers for this book was because it was poorly written, and I felt that there were/are too many serial killer novels in the bookstores already.

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 didn’t really give traditional publishing much of a chance because I had heard too many horror stories from writers who managed to make it past the “iron gate.” However, I wrote queries to two New York literary agencies just so I could gain the experience of writing query letters. The first one-line rejection slip came within a few months, while the second came a year and a half later.

I decided to research the POD industry as an alternative. This was back in 1999. I wasn’t impressed with what I saw on these sites, and the books I ordered were poorly designed and unedited. I kept on working on my novel while keeping one eye on the POD industry and researching the option of self-publishing.

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

When one published writer told me that getting my novel was akin to winning the Lotto, I almost gave up writing. That stung worse than the rejection slips. After I calmed down, I went back to work. Any fantasies I had about becoming the next Stephen King or Dean Koontz vanished.

As the years passed by, I kept reading everything I could find about the POD industry, self-publishing, and traditional publishing. The more I read, the more I decided that the traditional route wasn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. No matter which publishing route you take, you still have to do all the marketing yourself if you hope to sell any copies of your book.

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

I signed up for an account with Lulu in 2003 but waited until I was ready to publish my anthology so I can watch this company and read what writers experienced. When I learned of the overwhelming satisfaction, I decided to test their service with the anthology in 2006. I was so pleased with the quality of the book and their ISBN distribution service that I decided to use them to self-publish Prosperity.

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

I experienced a mixture of excitement and mild anxiety. Seeing my name on the cover of that anthology gave me such a feeling of accomplishment. Knowing I had to market it made me nervous because it was such a diverse collection of genres.

I don’t remember how I celebrated when I successfully published the anthology, except that I sent an email to all of my friends and relatives. I did the same thing when I published Prosperity. After I shot off that email, I treated myself to an evening of mindless TV with my family. I was just so relieved to have this book written and published after an embarrassingly long time.

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

With the anthology, I listed the ebook version on every free ebook site I could find. The modest sales ultimately came from Amazon purchases.

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

No. Lulu has been a fabulous service as well as an economical one. I loved the process of designing my own books from cover to cover. I had total control over the editing, interior layout, and design. This was a perfect opportunity to utilize my art degree, which I began gathering dust when I started a family.

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

I’ve just recently self-published Prosperity. As far as growth is concerned, I’ve learned that typing “THE END” isn’t the end of a book’s journey. The author must buzz about it well before it’s published (say 1 to 3 years). Thanks to the Internet and its technology, new authors have a much wider playing field than they did when I first started writing. I’ve learned (and am still learning) how to use it to my best advantage.

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?

That’s a tough question to answer because I still feel very new at this. I’ve made many “beginner” mistakes when designing my books, but I’ve learned from them. I don’t think I’ll ever publish a book at Christmastime again, because I found myself rushed with the publishing process.

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

I became a freelance writer shortly after I published the anthology, writing for a major blog network. Another accomplishment involved my first production of a one-piece book cover. Oh, and I designed a simple website for my husband’s family business.

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

A graphic designer. My favorite subject in school was art. When I began attending night school to earn my degree, I pictured myself landing a job with an ad agency or a publishing house. My life took several turns, and I became a writer. But I never lost my passion for art.

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

I plan on combining these two worlds by the end of 2008, although I won’t limit myself to book design.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself publishing another book or two, while freelancing as a writer and designer on a full-time basis.

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

Check out all the publishing options that are available and figure out which one works for you. Before you publish that book, start networking with as many people as you can and focus on building friendships instead of selling. That’s very important! Once you earn their trust, you won’t need to ask them to buy your book.

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PROSPERITY: A GHOST STORY VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on Feb. 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Deborah’s tour, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/. Leave a comment on one of her stops and become eligible to win a free copy at the end of her tour! One lucky winner will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com  on February 29!

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Deborah’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 Dorothy Thompson.

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Interview with Literary Fiction Author Garasamo Maccagnone

Garasamo “Gary” Maccagnone is the author of the children’s book, The Suburban Dragon, the collection of short stores entitled, The Affliction of Dreams, and the novel, St. John of the Midfield. You can visit his website at http://www.garasamomaccagnone.com/.

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

I’ve been published three times since I started writing in the late 70’s.

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

The book was called, “Sentiments of Blue.” In the 80’s I lost the entire manuscript in a basement flood.

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?

Technically, what I received back was worse than a rejection slip. Most often, the publishers I sent stuff to didn’t even take the time to respond back. I know I sent the SASE. Eventually, through a friend, a small press operator became interested and took a chance on publishing my children’s book. Back in the early 80’s, the only way to distribute the book was to go school to school.

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

I’m very competitive. Just like the time I was cut from a basketball team in 9th grade, I made certain to work hard enough in order to prove the coach wrong. With writing, I’ve maintained the same mentality. It’s about proving the bastards wrong.

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

A local down river publisher in Michigan took a chance with me. Like me, he was into producing a quality product. We worked well together in creating two books that had a professional look to them.

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

I was pretty high about the end product and then reality struck me. My friend Monte Nagler, who was a well-known and published photographer, told me my books were the kind you had to sell out of the trunk of your car. That hurt. Not much of a market in the 80’s for my stuff.

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

I simply went school to school with my children’s book. Basically, the teachers and students liked the book enough that word spread and soon I was booked as a visiting writer at the school. Al Ochsner, the illustrator, and I had down a little skit we would do for the kid’s 2nd grade and under. We were a big hit with the youth crowd.

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

I would have sought harder to find a literary agent to help get me in front of publishers. Since I was fairly busy developing a worldwide logistic company at the time, I didn’t focus as much as I should on getting published.

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

My short stories have published over the years in periodicals. All of my books I’ve re-published through a self-publishing firm. It’s worked out very well.

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 found a strong literary agent and convinced him or her to get me in front of some people. I depended too often on a half-hearted way of presenting my work. Often times, I didn’t have the time to follow up.

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

Being interviewed on the radio or television as a person seen as a legitimate writer. That’s a nice feeling.

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

My first goal was to become a major league baseball player. I heard those fellas do pretty good for themselves.

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

In the end, the writing brings me more satisfaction. A lot of people can hit a baseball. Not too many can think metaphorically.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope to have a well-respected portfolio of work, one in which my peers and my readers appreciate.

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

Don’t let the bastards get you down. Even though they keep sending the heat at your head with the high hard stuff, you have to pick yourself up, clean yourself off and get ready to rock the next pitch out of the park.

Gary’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.

Leave a comment and you could win a copy of Gary’s book! All winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com  on Feb. 29!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Garasamo Maccagnone, St. John on the Midfield, literary fiction, famous soccer player, communist Bulgaria, coaching soccer, youth travel teams

Interview with Marvin L. Zimmerman, Author of THE OVUM FACTOR

Marvin L. Zimmerman is 58, father of one son, Eric, who is 7 and married for 20 years to Maisie.

For nearly 15 years now, Marvin has been Publisher & Editor of INMR Quarterly Review - a publication in the field of transmission and distribution of electrical energy, with 20,000 readers worldwide. He is also Chairman and organizer of the WORLD CONGRESS OF INSULATORS, ARRESTERS & BUSHINGS - a bi-annual technical conference and exhibition which takes place in selected cities throughout the world.

Marvin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and went on to complete his M.B.A in international business (1972). Before starting INMR, he owned a small consulting firm specializing in international marketing. During this time, he travelled extensively throughout the world, visiting over 50 countries on all continents. He was also for many years a teacher of International Business at two of Canada’s largest universities - McGill and Concordia.

Marvin’s parents are both Holocaust survivors who managed to flee Poland just before the arrival of the Nazis. He was born in Salzburg, Austria shortly after the war finished and emigrated to Montreal, Canada while still a child.

The Ovum Factor was written in Rio de Janeiro as well as the Amazon during the three-month period between October to December 2006. The images and experiences written into the plot of his novel are based on firsthand exposure to the jungles and rivers as well as visits to the Indians living there.

All his life, Marvin has been an ardent environmentalist and lover of the natural world. The plot of this novel is in many ways his reaction to the desperate situation faced by the planet as a result of humanity’s unrelenting focus on growth without constraint. He wrote The Ovum Factor to help remind readers that our future ultimately depends on protecting the natural world as its survival depends on us.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Marvin. 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)?

The Ovum Factor (www.TheOvumFactor)  is my first published work but I am now finishing my second novel titled: The Last Noble Truth.

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

The Ovum Factor has now been published by Synergy Books in Austin Texas.

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 sent off query letters to every single literary agent listed in US and Canada. A few actually were kind enough to write a personalized letter stating how fiction business has been on a downward trend and how they were not accepting any new client. The rest, were generic rejection notes.

I did not count the actual number of rejection, but there were quite a lot.

Small independent publishers are good alternatives. They still deal with first time authors, unlike the major players. It is truly unfortunate that the traditional publishing industry which is inundated with countless new works every year has reacted to the onslaught by confining almost all new authors and their works to the dustbin.

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

Rejection based on a careful review of the work is easier to take than rejection based on simply being perceived from the start as an untalented want-to-be who deserves no time. But, I was undaunted because I believe in my writing. Some who were rejected by this industry over the years went on to achieve great fame because their work was demanded by those who really count – the readers.

I have no time to waste feeling bitter or resentful. I’m focused only on my future success.

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

As stated, my publisher is Synergy Books in Austin, Texas. I selected them because they have a top-flight reputation and worked with me from day one.

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

Being published is in itself no reason to celebrate. The celebration really begins when my books find their market – and I truly believe they will.

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

I’ve invested my time and resources in the internet for the time being. It’s far less judgmental than the traditional publishing industry and brings my message and ideas to a huge potential audience.

I’ve also invested in producing a trailer which has been posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/theovumfactor
as well as on The Ovum factor website, http://www.theovumfactor.com

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

Of course, I would vastly prefer to work with a traditional publisher, one of the big players, which has the marketing and distribution clout. I do the writing and leave the rest mostly to them.

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

My second novel, The Last Nobel Truth, is not yet finished. But I can say that, yes, I have grown a lot through the editing of my first novel. Like many new authors, I committed serious blunders in my original manuscript for The Ovum Factor. But, now, with the benefit of an experienced editor’s critique of that first book (which was then vastly improved in its final published revision) I know what makes for compelling reading in a work of fiction. These lessons have been applied to my second novel and for the others to come.

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 was in too great a rush to publish my original manuscript because the storyline seemed so unique and timely. But in doing so, I missed out on the opportunity to take a good book and make it far better. I should have been more patient and taken the time for proper outside editing.

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

Writing my second novel so quickly and seeing it as already on a par with my first published book, even before editing and final improvements.

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

For me, there is only one profession which best suits my life experience and skills – being a writer.

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

This question does not really apply to me. My best world is my currently chosen world.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I’m optimistic that in ten years, I will be a known author, not only here in North America but internationally. As John Lennon once wrote in his lyrics: “you may say I’m a dreamer - but I’m not the only one.”

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

If you really have talent and people enjoy reading your work, never give up on yourself.

Marvin L. Zimmerman’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion.  If you would like to learn more about Marvin and his fantastic eco-thriller, The Ovum Factor, visit his official virtual book tour page here!

Leave a comment and one lucky reader will receive a FREE copy of his book!  The winner will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com on Feb. 29!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour, virtual blog tour, book tour, online book promotion, Marvin L. Zimmerman, The Ovum Factor