Beyond the Books with Maryann Paige, Author of Hidden Shadows

Maryann Paige was born in Brooklyn, New York, lived in Nevada and Texas and landed back in her home state.   She resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley and uses the area as the setting for her novels and stories. She attributes the idea for her first novel, Hidden Shadows to her younger son, who claims to have met the shadow people on a nightly basis.  After researching and learning of them, she decided to write a novel loosely based on her son’s experiences.  Please visit Maryann at www.maryannpaige.com to find out about her latest novel, Cemetery Gates.

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

A: Hidden Shadows was my first novel.  I have also released my second novel entitled, Cemetery Gates.

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

A: The first book I had ever written was called They are Here, a science-fiction attempt, and something I would never try to bring to publication.  I was eleven years-old and had a bit of an obsession with the mysteries surrounding the Egyptian pyramids.  One can easily tell it’s a book written by a child.  It remains at the bottom of my junk drawer, exactly where it belongs.

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

A: Hidden Shadows received close to eight rejections prior to making a sale.  It’s a cumbersome task because many publishing houses do not allow simultaneous submissions, so one presents their work and waits.  The time frame between penning the novel and publication of Hidden Shadows was about eighteen months.

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

A: The rejections didn’t feel good.  Unfortunately, the publishing houses are so busy; they are unable to give any suggestions or tell a new writer where they have gone wrong.  However, I was determined and kept submitting my manuscript.

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

A: Hidden Shadows was published by Club Lighthouse Publishing whom carries an array of all genres from erotica to horror.  Terri L. Balmer and her staff are amazing people and perfect for new writers.  I decided to go with CLP because Terri was responsive, professional and supportive.

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

A: When I heard the news of be offered a contract by CLP for Hidden Shadows, I had burst out of my office at work, and jumped up and down.  It was very exciting.  I went home that evening and starting writing my third novel, Wolf Strap.

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

A: The first thing I did to promote Hidden Shadows was to made flyers and put them all over my town, trying to drum up some interest in the book.  I think it was successful, too.  Anytime, I went into my favorite deli, the owner kept asking me for more leaflets.

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

A: If I had it to do over, no, I would not choose another outlet.  CLP took a frustrating situation and turned it around for me.  I loved the individual attention I received, although I’m a new author.

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

A: Oh, yes, I have grown as a writer.  Cemetery Gates has been released and I’m working on other novels, too.  I’m currently editing on my third novel, Wolf Strap, and can see how much I’ve grown as a writer.  It becomes easier to see your own mistakes, those wonderful grammatical errors, and where you need to slow down or speed things up within the story.

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

A: If I had it to do over, I would have done more research on the publishing industry.  I had always focused only on the writing part.  If I would have had a better understand of the semantics of the industry, I would have known what to expect and that would have made it less frustrating.

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

A: The biggest accomplishment for me since being published has been receiving a positive review from Bitten by Books.  Hidden Shadows received 4 out of 5 tombstones. The reviewer said she enjoyed the story, empathized with the characters and wanted more.  She also offered a critique on what she thought may have been a problem within the novel.  I welcomed it and have taken it into consideration for my future projects.

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

A: Writing is not how I’ve made my living over the past years.  Professionally, I have been a manager in corporate America for an import company.  I would love to hang up my business suit to write full-time, and am hoping someday I may be given that opportunity.  My business background has helped me in the writing profession.  Writing is so much more than penning a good story.  It’s a business and needs to be approached as such.  There is marketing, sales, art work decisions and many other things involved in each project.

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: As my future as a writer progresses, I would love to eventually become involved in film.  I can see Hidden Shadows as a scary and interesting movie playing on Saturday night on the Horror or SyFy Channels.

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

A: My final word to other writers is to believe in you.  Take your passion and keep writing.  Don’t let a day go by where you forget your dream.  And, today there are more opportunities than ever before to become published and get noticed.  The electronic age we live in makes all of this possible.  Keep up the good work!

Interview with Ruby Dominguez, author of The Peruke Maker

Ruby Dominguez

The author, Ruby Dominguez is challenged by the conflicting complexities of the past and future. Undeterred, she strokes with pen the somber and bright hues of her visions. She currently resides in San Francisco and works in the field of property management/leasing. She has been a recipient of the “Editor’s Choice Award,” by the National Library of Poetry in 1999 and 2007 for her published poems in the SHELTER OF SHADE. Visit her website at: www.outskirtspress.com/theperukemaker, and blog at www.salemcurse.wordpress.com.

Q: Thank you for this interview, Ruby. Can you tell us what your latest book, THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse, is all about?

A: Salem 17^th Century – A bizarre and deadly detour in American dark history!

SYNOPSIS:

~The witch hunt hits feverish peak! Fear of the devil is as real as God. Witchcraft is a heinous crime a person could commit and is punishable by death at the Gallows Hill for the victims accused of sorcery.

River reflections of Bridget Cane’s scantily clad youthful beauty with long, flowing, wild, red hair, is frozen in fear amidst the overture of the Banshee’s foreboding and bloodcurdling wails of imminent death, that of her own.

The Peruke Maker’s vengeful curse hastens chase for the innocent and is carried off by a whirl of ill-omened wind that transgresses all natural laws of time and space.

The Salem Witch Hunt Curse unearthed from necromancy, violates the course of natural events in a modern day world, relentlessly in quest for the avenger of innocent blood.

Sarah Cane, a product of the 21st century is inextricably caught in a fateful journey that comes full circle. But Michael’s abiding love for her triumphs over evil, transcending the grave in a magical and symbolic act of rebirth at the stroke of midnight of the Autumnal Equinox. ~

SCRIPT COVERAGE ANALYSIS:

THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse, inspired by true events, is a meticulously researched screenplay that is laced with relevance and substance.

We follow the unforgettable spiritual and emotional journey of BRIDGET CANE, a stunning 17th Century woman and SARAH, a product of the 2lst Century who are inextricably bound together in a tenuous journey that comes full circle.

The banality of evil which pervades 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts is captured by the screenwriter with penetrating insight as we follow one young woman’s deadly encounter with the forces of Good and Evil.

This compelling journey is deftly played against a storyline that has meaningful things to say about the inherent vulnerability of the human condition.

A screenplay “The Peruke Maker” was professionally reviewed by Lejen Literary Consultants and attained a good script coverage analysis.

“Visually compelling, provocative, suspenseful, memorable characters, smooth pace with excellent twists and turns!” -by Lee Levinson

Are you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I am multi published with THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse (horror/romance)  which is the focus of my Halloween promotion, Romancing The Claddagh – The Curse of Macha (romance/horror) and It’s Over Michael, But…( romance comedy)

The Peruke Maker

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

THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse is the title of my first ever 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?

THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse is a screenplay and it was my initial intention and still is, that it becomes a Halloween blockbuster  movie.

In the meantime to generate a buzz, I opted for self-publishing/vanity press for immediate distribution to the e-world.

It didn’t take me long to discover Outskirts Press via internet and then submitted my manuscript for their consideration and acceptance.

And now my book is available in 25,000 internet stores around the world.

However, the rejections that I go through are from queries submitted to film producers, directors, etc. But I am confident that the story is compelling that a bankable director or producer shall produce it.

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

It took me 1 year of dreaming about it, 1 year of research work, 4 weeks to put down into written words, and another 2 years to crystallize the story.

Submitted it to Lejen Literary Consultant – Lee Levinson for a script coverage analysis and after 2 months received it back with a good review.

Thereafter, it took Outskirts Press approximately 2 weeks to review and accept.

Rejections in general makes me more determined in fine tuning my craft and relentless in achieving my goals.

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

Outskirts Press is a highly professional publisher, who holds your hand every step of the way down the road to success!

I chose them because it allowed me to keep my rights to my book 100%.

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

I really have not celebrated yet. I have been engrossed in promoting rather than celebrating. But I will as I walk down the red carpet one day soon.

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

I did a 1 minute book video trailer and uploaded it on Youtube, Metcafe, Yahoo, crackle, live video, facebook, etc.

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

No regrets… my time…my terms… it all worked out for me.

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

Yes, I am multi published with THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse (horror/romance)  which is the focus of my Halloween promotion, Romancing The Claddagh – The Curse of Macha (romance/horror) and It’s Over Michael, But…( romance comedy)

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?

Patience is not one of my better virtues. I took the fastest and quickest route to self-gratification. It doesn’t get any speedier than this.

Mistakes are defined in my book as calculated risk and lessons to be learned. They are insignificant that I don’t even remember one, lest it bog me down.

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

A bold step towards the future is my greatest achievement.

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

Life comes in stages and you need to prepare for each act. Writing is my retirement plan.

However, acting, music and dancareis still in my repertoire and wouldn’t mind an opportunity if it comes knocking at my door.

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

I would mesh it together.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Young, happy, successful, glamorous and walking down the red carpet.

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

When all thing fail, let passion be your retirement plan.

Editor’s Note: Ruby Dominguez is on virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion.  If you would like ot follow along on her tour, visit here during the months of October and November.

Interview with Howard Hopkins, author of Night Demons

Howard Hopkins writes horror novels, western-horror, comic books, children’s horror and graphic novels under his own name and Black Horse Westerns under the penname Lance Howard (his first and middle names switched around.) He lives in a small seacoast Maine town and plays multiple instruments, edits and writes for Moonstone anthologies, and was the publisher/editor of Golden Perils, a history journal dedicated to the pulp heroes of the 1930s. He enjoys horror tales, westerns, comic books, Doc Savage, The Shadow, bodybuilding, music and of course writing. Please stop by his website at http://www.howardhopkins.com and his Dark Bits blog at http://howardhopkins.blogspot.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Howard. 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 multi-published in different formats and genres, horror, western, comic books, graphic novels, children’s horror, etc. I write The Chloe Files series, as well as The Nightmare Club series for children. Other titles of mine include: Night Demons, Grimm, The Dark Riders and Dark Harbors. I have recently co-edited and written for The Avenger Chronicles from Moonstone as well as The Spider Chronicles (with John Jakes), both hero pulp characters from the 1930s/40s, as well as numerous other projects. I have a Spider widescreen graphic novel coming this month (Feb) called The Spider: Judgment Knight, too.

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

The name of my first novel was Night Demons, a generational horror tale somewhat in the Stephen King mode (since we both come from Maine, I guess I had to have some of his influence rub off on me!) The book is also my largest to date and makes a darn good doorstop for those who don’t like it! I like my books to multi-task!

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 lost count, but they made a really nice bonfire! And it went through a number of revisions before finding a home first at Dancing Willow Press (which folded after the book came out and no it wasn’t my fault!), Wordbeams, Atlantic Bridge and Golden Perils Press.

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

Nobody likes rejections but they are a sad reality of a harsh business. You really need to have a passion to write to get through them, I think, and you definitely have to learn not to take them personally (though I got some nasty personal ones along the way.) It’s very hard not to let them get to you and question your talent, but you have to remember there are a million reasons for them, most of which have nothing to do with your ability or talent. It’s a fickle industry and taste is very subjective in literature—not that anyone would accuse me of writing literature!

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

Well, honest answer? They offered! By the time I got that first written horror novel accepted, I had already turned to writing in the western genre and published about ten novels there. So I jumped at the chance. That was Dancing Willow, one of the first ebook companies. Unfortunately the company didn’t last long, but it was accepted at two more after that, one of which also folded and a third that is still in business.

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

My first published book was a Lance Howard western, Blood on the Saddle, and literally the acceptance sent me right off the floor. I was a bit dazed the letter actually said “We want it” instead of the usual “You gotta be kidding!” Seriously, it was tremendously exciting and validating. It is almost orgasmic.

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

At the time there really wasn’t the Internet, so I didn’t do much other than to tell all my friends and relatives—none of whom bought the book, by the way, since they expected free copies! Now, of course, there’s so much more and author can do online and in fact is put upon to do. No more promo budgets unless you are a big name or the publisher thinks there’s a breakout potential.

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

There’s another route? You mean sleep with someone? Ok. Gimme a name! lol. Seriously, I wish I had had the breaks some people did, but I didn’t, so the only way was writing, writing, writing and submitting, submitting, submitting.

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

Yes, still doing westerns for the same company, Robert Hale, LTD., hero stuff for Moonstone and others, horror for another. I think I am much better now than I was when I started because it’s a constant growing and learning experience. Even the best author should never stop growing and trying to be better. With me, my characters have gotten richer, I think.

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 really don’t know. I think we take the route we do because we have to and it forges our talent and tenacity. Would I have loved to hit it the first time? Sure! But it might not have been good for me and I might not have learned the things I have learned.

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

I don’t know if it’s my biggest accomplishment, but my biggest thrill was getting to co-edit and write the introduction and two stories for Moonstone’s The Avenger Chronicles. This particular character meant a huge deal to me growing up, and between The Avenger and Doc Savage pretty much saved me during my teen years. It meant everything to me to be able to give a little back to the character and to the author behind it, pulp writer Paul Ernst. Joe Gentile, Moonstone’s EIC, was also a huge Avenger fan and made it a joy to work on the book with someone who truly cared about the character as much or even more than I do. I don’t think any other experience has compared to that on a personal and writing level.

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

I would have loved to be a singer/musician. But, though I play a number of instruments and have sung at nursing homes, I suffer from horrendous stage fright that made it a chore and simply did not have the talent or personality necessary to make it in that business.

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

No, never. I HAVE to write. I LOVE to write.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself as Stephen King, or at least I see my checking account that way…

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

Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t. Can’t is a word you should strike from your vocabulary. Get rid of it. Don’t waver if you can help it and write, write, write. Have faith in yourself and in your talent. And if you can sleep with somebody…nah, just kidding. Mostly.

Interview with Horror Writer Joel M. Andre

Joel M. Andre began writing back in 1994 on a personal level, discovering the passion and feeling the words brought him. Although more of a hobby at the time, he collected his works and in 1999 released the poem The Midnight Express. It received positive feedback, and was quickly followed by For the Salem Witch. To date Joel has released over 60 poems, and 3 books.

Pray the Rain Never Ends was the first book, which includes the poem he wrote for his nephew Christopher Andre. A gripping work that shows a different side to the creator of work that usually holds a darker flair.

The follow up book A Death at the North Pole brought a new side of Joel out. This was a dark journey through a winter wonderland, and provided a more in depth look at Joel and his long form writing.

Most recently Joel released the book Kill 4 Me, a technological ghost story, of a woman haunted by a vengeful spirit through the use of a cell phone and computer.

With a passion for writing, you can tell Joel loves what he does. Although some would say his imagination runs more left field, there is no denying his original thoughts and ideas will provide enjoyment for years to come.

You can visit Joel’s website at www.joelmandre.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Joel. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published?

Thank you for having me on your website. I am a multi-published author.

Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Of course, I would be happy to. The books currently available by me are: ‘Pray the Rain Never End’, ‘A Death at the North Pole’, ‘Kill 4 Me’, ‘The Price of Blood’

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 had written was called, ‘Let’s Play Murder’, it has been bought by two small publishing companies, both of which folded before the release. I regain the rights to the book, and am planning on releasing it soon.

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 never wanted to go mainstream and lose the part of my soul in a book. If I went with a publisher, it would be an independent small press. My passion is for the written word, not for wealth. Plus, I know my books aren’t for everyone, I won’t be considered mainstream ever I think.

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

Well, I would imagine I would roll with the punches on a rejection. No means step it up a level next time, keep growing; it’ll happen when the time is right.

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

I chose Lulu.com because I like their name. I had a dog I called lulu all the time. So it was a match.

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

It felt alright, I really had no expectations, and figured if it was something people wanted to read, they could grab a copy. I was just having a good time doing the writing. I did get a tattoo when ‘Kill 4 Me’ hit #2 on the Horror: Ghosts list on the Kindle.

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

I sent out a mass e-mail to everyone in all my e-mail accounts. I really didn’t focus heavy on the promotion side.

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

No way, I think the route I am heading down keeps me grounded as a person.

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

I have been published since then yes, and I think the detail in my books, and my thoughts are deeper and richer. You continue to grow with every book you write.

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?

Not allowing me to be my own road block would have been the biggest one. Others believed in me, and pushed me. If I would have made the jump earlier, I would be farther along, but not as real I think.

What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Trusting people at face value. Also, I wouldn’t tell many people I was published, they get this idea you are something you are not.

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

Having 2 books hit the top 10 on various EBook charts.

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

I would be a vet. I love animals. They have a great value to their life.

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

I would give up everything to know I was saving an animal. As my fans know, I am a supporter of the ASPCA.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Living with the person of my dreams, writing books that touch people’s soul, on a no kill shelter for all animals that I run.

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

Nothing is more powerful then your dreams. Keep them firm and strong to your heart. If your dream is to be a writer, start as young as you can, and submit those stories and poems everywhere. Dreams come true.

Interview with Horror Writer Joel M. Andre

Joel M. Andre was born January 13, 1981 in Cottonwood, AZ. He began writing back in 1994 on a personal level, discovering the passion and feeling the words brought him. Although more of a hobby at the time, he collected his works and in 1999 released the poem The Midnight Express. It received positive feedback, and was quickly followed by For the Salem Witch. To date Joel has released over 60 poems, and 3 books.

Pray the Rain Never Ends was the first book, which includes the poem he wrote for his nephew Christopher Andre. A gripping work that shows a different side to the creator of work that usually holds a darker flair.

The follow up book A Death at the North Pole brought a new side of Joel out. This was a dark journey through a winter wonderland, and provided a more in depth look at Joel and his long form writing.

Most recently Joel released the book Kill 4 Me, a technological ghost story, of a woman haunted by a vengeful spirit through the use of a cell phone and computer.

With a passion for writing, you can tell Joel loves what he does. Although some would say his imagination runs more left field, there is no denying his original thoughts and ideas will provide enjoyment for years to come.

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

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Joel. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published?

Thank you for having me on your website. I am a multi-published author.

Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Of course, I would be happy to. The books currently available by me are: ‘Pray the Rain Never End’, ‘A Death at the North Pole’, ‘Kill 4 Me’, ‘The Price of Blood’

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 had written was called, ‘Let’s Play Murder’, it has been bought by two small publishing companies, both of which folded before the release. I regain the rights to the book, and am planning on releasing it soon.

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 never wanted to go mainstream and lose the part of my soul in a book. If I went with a publisher, it would be an independent small press. My passion is for the written word, not for wealth. Plus, I know my books aren’t for everyone, I won’t be considered mainstream ever I think.

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

Well, I would imagine I would roll with the punches on a rejection. No means step it up a level next time, keep growing; it’ll happen when the time is right.

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

I chose Lulu.com because I like their name. I had a dog I called lulu all the time. So it was a match.

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

It felt alright, I really had no expectations, and figured if it was something people wanted to read, they could grab a copy. I was just having a good time doing the writing. I did get a tattoo when ‘Kill 4 Me’ hit #2 on the Horror: Ghosts list on the Kindle.

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

I sent out a mass e-mail to everyone in all my e-mail accounts. I really didn’t focus heavy on the promotion side.

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

No way, I think the route I am heading down keeps me grounded as a person.

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

I have been published since then yes, and I think the detail in my books, and my thoughts are deeper and richer. You continue to grow with every book you write.

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?

Not allowing me to be my own road block would have been the biggest one. Others believed in me, and pushed me. If I would have made the jump earlier, I would be farther along, but not as real I think.

What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Trusting people at face value. Also, I wouldn’t tell many people I was published, they get this idea you are something you are not.

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

Having 2 books hit the top 10 on various EBook charts.

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

I would be a vet. I love animals. They have a great value to their life.

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

I would give up everything to know I was saving an animal. As my fans know, I am a supporter of the ASPCA.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Living with the person of my dreams, writing books that touch people’s soul, on a no kill shelter for all animals that I run.

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

Nothing is more powerful then your dreams. Keep them firm and strong to your heart. If your dream is to be a writer, start as young as you can, and submit those stories and poems everywhere. Dreams come true.