Happy Mother’s Day!

To my mother who left this realm 35 years ago and to all mothers still sticking it out and trying the best they can to become the most wonderful mothers in the world…

Happy Mother’s Day!

Interview with Karen Harrington, Author of JANEOLOGY

Karen Harrington is a Texas native who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Her writing has received honors from the Hemingway Short Story Festival, the Texas Film Institute Screenplay Contest and the Writers’ Digest National Script Contest. A graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, she has worked as a speechwriter and editor for major corporations and non-profit organizations.

She authored and published There’s a Dog in the Doorway, a children’s book created expressly for the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation’s “My Stuff Bags.” My Stuff bags go to children in need who must leave their home due to abuse, neglect or abandonement.

She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, two children and two sneaky dogs.

JANEOLOGY is her first novel.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Karen. 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)?

My debut novel is Janeology and it’s my first published work.

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

I wrote a novel years ago called Going Native about a soldier who switched dog tags with a dead man and chose to stay behind in Vietnam, allowing his family to believe he had died in the war. John Irving said that the first novel is really an experiment to see if you can actually write a novel. That was true for me. I felt a great deal of satisfaction in completing this first novel. I don’t know that I’ll ever try and have it published, though I do sometimes toy with the idea of rewriting it, incorporating the current political environment and changing it from Vietnam to Iraq.

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?

There were probably somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty to forty ‘no’s’ before I got a ‘yes.” At least half of those were from agents.

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

Kinda heartbroken at first. I loved having my manuscript out for consideration because I could always hope that someone would find it and respond to it. If I had a mailbox full of no’s I just turned around and sent it out again so I could keep that feeling of hope. Instinctively, I knew not to take it personally. I don’t like every book I’ve ever read. Everyone’s tastes are different. And I always repeated to myself “God is my agent.” Really! I knew when it was the right time, it would happen.

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

My book, Janeology, was just published last month by Kunati Books. Of course, I sent this manuscript to a lot of publishers. The wonderful thing about getting published by Kunati was that I really understood why it was THIS publisher that responded. All of its books are bold and provocative – that’s not just their slogan. So when I was accepted there, I remember thinking, “My book is in the right place, the right home.”

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

Don’t you find that most celebrations of this kind involve food? For better or worse, mine do. My friends took me out for fajitas and margaritas the day I signed my book contract. Like all wonderful achievements, publication meets the expectations you had, but then it has other elements you didn’t expect (under the heading of “Oh, I wish I’d known that before!”)

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

First, I set up my website so I could begin blogging, posting excerpts and having a “store front” to direct people to. Second, I created a bookmark to use as a business card. Sometimes it’s simpler to hand someone a card with a brief description and your website than describe a whole book. Like most writers I know, I’m naturally shy so this step has been invaluable.

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

No way. I’m a firm believer that the universe conspires to place you where you need to be at the moment you need to be there. At the same time my book was coming out, a good friend of mine had his book coming out from a big New York publishing house. We’ve traded experiences from my small press to his large company. Certainly, there are key differences in what each firm can accomplish. But one of the key differences is that I’ve had almost daily contact with my publisher – ranging from news and advice about the industry to specifics about my novel. I honestly cannot think of a better first-time author experience.

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

No, my second novel hasn’t been published. Funny thing, I thought it was ready to be submitted months ago. But the way I’ve grown reflects the fact that I now understand why and how it’s not ready, how I can refine it even more, how I’ve discovered ways to up the ante on this story. And more importantly, I can now better see my own writing as a “reader.” That’s a gift I wish I had 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?

I don’t think I could have sped up the process. I had to grow and learn. But the single biggest thing I did to help myself was to hire a professional editor to review and edit my manuscript. Once I saw her edits and the questions she asked to make me go farther into the story, I knew my story was rising to the next level. And it did. Two months after I completed those edits and sent the revised manuscript out, two publishers called.

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

Putting to use the business acumen I developed in corporate America. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last five years, which is a wonderful job. But now, I am bringing back many of the skills and talents I once used everyday and putting them to work for myself.

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

I worked as a speechwriter for a number of years. I find myself missing that role from time to time. If the opportunity every presents itself, I might return to it, especially in the political arena. Speechwriting is such an interesting art form. I’d almost like to see what I could do with it now that I’ve been writing fiction for so long.

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

Boy, I’m running the risk of sounding very corny, but the answer to that is this: I don’t think one can give up being an author anymore than she can give up being brown-eyed. If you have a drive to write, you write whether it makes you a living or not. Maybe that writing will be done for a company or a fictional story, but you’ll always be a writer.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Interestingly, I have discovered that the fourth or fifth novels of my favorite writers were their masterworks. In ten years, I’d like to think I’m on the same path of those I admire. And, I wouldn’t mind being on that path, say, near the ocean.

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

Begin.

Trust the moment when you know instinctively you are on to something in your story. You will have to return to that day many, many times to keep going.

Hire an editor as least once. It’s like taking a master’s class on your novel. You may be good, but she can make you better.

Keep sending out your manuscript. Always have it out there for consideration.

Stay humble.

Interview with Charlotte Barnes, Author of THE MANSFIELD LIGHTHOUSE CATS

Charlotte Barnes is a proud 1993 graduate of Florida State University. She is a former teacher who began writing when she was between day jobs. She loves college football, and a good nap when she can get one! You can visit her website at http://www.charlottebarnesonline.com/ or her blog at www.charlottebarnesonline.com/apositiveplace.

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

I’ve published three books and a fourth’s on the way!

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 “Creative Mojo: The Brainstormer’s Book of Gift Ideas for Anytime.” It was published in 2005.

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 went through 30-50 rejections approximately, and then PublishAmerica took a chance on me.

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

Rejection never feels good, and I could probably paper my house with the rejection letters, but find the rejection in publishing to be a little easier because it’s not face-to-face. I listen to motivational tapes when I want to motivate myself.

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

My first book was published in 2005 by PublishAmerica. I liked the fact that they were open to unknown authors.

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

I was very happy to get published. It was the culmination of years of work and dreaming. I tend to celebrate in small ways. I might get a smoothie, or buy myself a book I’ve wanted.

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

I did an interview with my local newspaper. They’ve been very supportive and therefore I always make sure they get one of the first copies of any new books. I also sent out copies to local gift stores.

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

Probably not. You have to get your name into the marketplace somehow. I do wish authors would get more help with marketing, though, and I say that about any publisher that might publish a book.

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

I have published 2 books since. I’ve picked up more about marketing and picking titles, and I have pursued different interests with each successive project.

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 probably would have done more web research. I don’t think I would have sent some manuscripts as early as I did. I think I would have let them stew a little longer.

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

I recently did my first radio interview on ArtistFirst Radio Network.

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

I would be a librarian—quiet job, still around books! Can you see a theme emerging?

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

I have a day job to pay the bills (not as a librarian), but would love to write full-time in the future.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I would love to be writing full-time or doing something at a college somewhere.

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

I would say pursue it with determination and a sense of urgency. Do what you can right now. Look at your situation honestly and assess your areas of weakness. Surround yourself with people whose strengths might complement you. Always encourage everyone you meet—especially your fellow writers!

Charlotte’s virtual book is brought to you by the fine folks of Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Rebecca Camarena.

Interview with Self-Help/Personal Development Author Gabrielle Goddard

Gabriella Goddard is the founder of Goddard International Ltd., innovators in personal development Gabriella works as an Executive Coach and Speaker. Her clients include senior executives in FTSE100 companies, TV presenters, authors, journalists and entrepreneurs. She is regularly featured in the media including International Herald Tribune, Weight Watchers Magazine, The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, BBC Online and on BBC Radio, Radio 5 Live and Discovery Health channel.

Originally from New Zealand, Gabriella enjoyed an extensive career in international marketing and branding before making the “gulp!” decision to set up her own business. Gabriella lives a free-spirited life with bases in London, New York and Spain. www.gulptime.com

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

Hi there. I’m the author of an exciting new self-help book called “Gulp!: The 7 Day Crash Course to Master Fear and Break Through Any Challenge” which has just been published by Bantam Dell in the US. This is my first book and I hope it’ll be the first of many!

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

”Gulp!” is actually the first book I’ve ever written which was why it was such a big to get it finished! But more about that in a moment.

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 spent a year pitching my book idea to various publishers. But prior to even doing that, I spent six months working with a fabulous Book Coach, Julia McCutchen, who helped me hone my proposal writing and helped me to believe that I could actually string some coherent sentences together. I pitched my newly honed proposal to five mainstream publishers and I was overjoyed when two of them called me in for a meeting. They liked my ideas, but felt they weren’t quite “strong enough” to be commissioned. But it was a huge confidence boost and I realized that this was serious now, and I to sign with an agent. So I pitched my proposal to an agent and she took me on immediately. Within two months I had a book deal signed with Penguin UK. Bantam Dell then purchased the US rights for Gulp! less than a year later. So it’s all been a bit of a whirlwind.

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

On one hand, receiving the rejection letters was really hard. But on the other hand, they really served to motivate me to keep on trying. I always knew in my heart that my book would be published so I just kept chipping away. And when my spirits dipped, that was when the organic dark chocolate came out.

All I can say is that if you want to see your book published, you should never give up trying. Listen to the feedback you get and take it on board. Don’t be too disappointed by the rejection letters. Expect to get some, and then turn them into paper airplanes when they arrive.

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

“Gulp!” was first published in the UK by Penguin in May 2006. When Penguin read my proposal, they instantly “got it,” so when they made me a really good offer I jumped at it straight away.

Then, when the contract arrived, it was one of the scariest moments of my life. After all that dreaming, there in right in front of me on the kitchen table was a contract. Now all I had to do was write 60,000 words – and make ‘em good ones. It was a real moment and it was this experience which motivated me to explore fear in such detail when I was writing Day 2 of “Gulp!” I tried all the techniques out on myself first – and thankfully they worked.

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

It was an amazing feeling to be published for the first time. I raced up to the book store with my camera and was like a proud mom taking photos of “Gulp!” sitting on the bookshelf. I organized a launch party at Penguin’s penthouse suite in London, and invited all the people that had been important supporters on my writer’s journey. And while we sipped champagne on the balcony overlooking the River Thames, we were blessed with the most beautiful sunset. A sight to be treasured forever.

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

The first thing I did to promote Gulp! was to place adverts in a couple of magazines targeting people interested in personal growth. Big mistake. They looked fantastic - but didn’t work very well. I also gave a number of talks and emailed everyone on my contact list about it.

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that the book marketing methods that suit me the best are the online ones – virtual book tours, blogs, podcasts,online radio and video clips.

You have to find out what works for you. And that will take time – and expect to make mistakes along the way.

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

As a first time author, being published by a big name publishing house has been a real privilege. And I’m now starting to write my second book which I’ll be pitching to publishers sometime over the next six months.

My biggest realization about the world of publishing is that it takes a heck of a long time to get a finished book on the shelf. It’s all a little too slow for my Aries creative drive. That’s why I’ve also gone down the route of self-publishing three personal growth audio books which are now available internationally. I’ll also be releasing some eBooks on Amazon Kindle later this year.

So a blend of publishing routes is what works for me. And this has been incredibly stimulating from a creative perspective, because writing for the audio medium is quite different from writing for the printed medium.

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

Well, I’m working on my next book now, and boy oh boy is it a heck of a lot easier. I’ve learnt so much about being an author over the past two years. In “Gulp!” I talk about the importance of sparking your imagination, trusting your instinct and planning your way forward. And this is how I’m approaching my next book. With this framework, it feels natural and easy.

The other big wake up call has been that as an author, your work doesn’t stop once your manuscript has been submitted. A large chunk of your role is to market and sell your book as well. This takes time, energy and financial investment, and I’m a lot more realistic about the commitment involved in making this happen.

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?

There are only two things that I would change. Firstly, I would have spent more time just writing. It takes a while to find “your voice” so the more practice you get, the faster the process. The second thing is that I would have been a lot clearer about the “hook” of my book. I wanted Gulp! to be a general book that could help people face ANY challenge. But the problem with that is it’s too broad for the media. They need something specific to really hook on to. It’s taken me a while to translate the essence of Gulp! into a singular marketing message – which is to “Give Up Living Passively!” Ironically, with the recession looming this is an ideal message for the tough times ahead.

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

One of the moments that I’ve cherished the most so far this year was seeing “Gulp!” on the bookshelf next to Deepak Chopra’s latest book in one of New York’s biggest Borders. After conjuring up that vision well over three years ago, it was amazing to see my dream crystallize. It just goes to show that what may seem impossible at first, can be possible.

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

To be honest, I’m 100% happy with being a writer. I also speak at conferences, run my online personal development business and coach senior Executives. So I guess you could say I’m multi-professional.

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

I definitely think I’ve combined the best of both worlds. The only thing missing now is my talk dark handsome man and my house by the sea.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years time I’d like to have published a number of books, some of them novels in different genres (eg. romance, suspense). I’d love to have written a song that has been recorded. And I’d also like to have written the story line for a documentary or film.

But most of all, I hope that I’ll still be happy doing what I’m doing, taking good care of my health and really enjoying life to the fullest.

Because that’s what’s most important.

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

My first piece of advice is to never give up. I know it sounds clichéd, but you never know when your luck will turn.

My second piece of advice comes from Day 6 of “Gulp!” which is to “focus and flow.” Be very focused about what you’re doing. Set deadlines and proposal submission targets. Develop the writing disciplines of a published author. And then flow with it and watch what happens.

And my third piece of advice is to stay inspired. Writing is a creative process so do things that spark your imagination, like watching a movie, or going for a walk in the countryside or taking a painting class. Just one spark could change your manuscript forever.

And if you need a little inspirational lift right now, you can visit YouTube to see the official book trailer for “Gulp!” (so just turn the speakers on, sit back and enjoy!)

Thanks for inviting me to be a guest on your blog. And anyone who wants to commit to writing their book can come and join the One Big Gulp! Campaign – it’s free and you get a downloadable Workbook, plus daily emails for 30 days, regular podcasts and chances to win free copies of Gulp! and coaching sessions with me. Join today at www.gulptime.com

Interview with Dr. Becker Holstein, Author of THE TRUTH (I’M A GIRL, I’M SMART AND I KNOW EVERYTHING)

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is the originator of The Enchanted Self(R). She has been a positive psychologist in private practice and licensed in the states of New Jersey and Massachusetts since 1981. She is currently in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara speaks regularly on radio programs around the country, and appears on television in New York and New Jersey. Her inspiring audio shows and podcasts can be found on the web. Her articles and stories appear on the web on hundreds of sites. She also gives lectures, seminars, and tele-classes on happiness. Listen to her e-radio show, The Enchanted Self on http://www.ladybuglive.com.  Also, listen to her e-radio show, Happiness for Women Only! on http://www.internetvoicesradio.com/

Her newest book, The Truth, I’m Ten, I’m Smart and I Know Everything! is another first in positive psychology. Written by a ten year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has been able to imbed lots of positive truths that we all need to remember and live by, regardless of our age.

The girl’s edition, titled: The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) debuted February 2008 in bookstores nationwide.
You can visit Barbara’s website at http://www.enchantedself.com/  or her blog at http://www.enchantedself.typepad.com/.  

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

This is my fourth book. Actually two of my books have had two versions. This book is one of those-the first version is The Truth (I’m Ten, I’m Smart and I Know Everything) designed for women, while this edition, The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) is for girls, tweens, teens and their moms.

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 is The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy and yes it was published by an academic press in l997.

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?

Actually no rejections. There had been a version that was rejected, but that version was never finished. I had just done two or three chapters and sent our query letters. About four agents rejected the book which did not include the whole concept of positive psychology which was in the book that got published. I actually presented at a conference and an acquisitions editor came up to me and asked if we could talk. She loved my ideas and encouraged me to put them into an academic book. She set my head reeling and as they say, “The rest is history.” Two years after that the book, which is a pathfinder book in the field of Positive Psychology, with roots in Feminist Therapy was published.

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

As I mentioned, my first book was a real gift to me. Even writing it, although it covered deep psychological material, was a dream. Sometimes it felt as if the words were being channeled to me. It was wonderful.

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

The publisher was Gordon and Breach Science Publishers and the division was Harwood Academic Publishers. They have been bought out since by Brunner-Routledge Publishers.

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

I felt really wonderful. However, there was so much frustration in getting the books from Singapore to New Jersey that I almost lost my feelings of joy. The books arrived about 8 months late, resulting in me having wasted a lot of money as I had hired a publicist who kept doing work without any books to present. I did pull myself together and I gave a book signing at Barnes and Noble and then a party at my house afterwards. It was a lot of fun.

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

As I said I had hired a publicist. She helped me get some newspaper and magazine coverage. I also send out flyers to my friends and associates. She also got me quite a few radio bookings and I got a lot more on my own and via advertising in a magazine that went to producers.

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

No, this was an excellent route for me. It established me nationally as a positive psychologist writing in the newly emerging field.

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

I have been published since. My next two books were published by a Print on Demand company, except that DELIGHT, one of the books was also published by LadyBug Press as a cd-rom multi-media book. That means it has the text, but also music, art and my voice. I don’t know if I have grown as an author. I think I have learned what I am good at writing and that my best style is not an academic style. I write simply and yet with a deeply moving touch. And I write fiction which I never realized in the beginning.

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 don’t know if I could have speeded things up. In the best of all worlds if I could have gotten an agent that understood my books and we had worked together over the years that would have been ideal. I felt too much alone and isolated.

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

I think the biggest accomplishment is reaching out to so many people via my writing. The miracle of the internet is part of all this. I put an article on the web, such as on my site, www.enchantedself.com and I don’t know who reads it or where. I have an e-radio show, such as www.internetvoicesradio.com  Kids, Tweens and Teens, and I don’t know who listens. But these are unbelievable accomplishments that promote healing in the world and help me to feel I’m living with purpose.

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

Probably actress and/or professional mystery writer.

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

My base profession is being a psychologist. Being a writer is a dream come true. I’d still love to do some acting-but I might settle for The Truth (I’m a girl, I’m smart and I know everything) being turned into a movie or a play.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Working like crazy on the whole series that comes out of this book and having fun at the same time-vacations, networking, staying fit, feeling purposeful and happy.

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

You can do it! Keep dreaming but also keep mobilizing. As my father said, “1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Perspire a lot. It will keep you healthy, young and fruitful.

An Interview with Magical Fantasy Author Theresa Chaze

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Whether fiction or non-fiction, Ms Chaze uses her talent to help others find the path to healing and take back their own power. In many ways, she is a life coach who helps others find alternative life paths and regain their passion. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze’s major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy , a ebook of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

 

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Theresa. 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)?

My novel Awakening the Dragon was originally published as Dragon’s New Home through Publish America. For legal reasons, I reedited and renamed it Awakening the Dragon–Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Although it started as a way to free the publishing rights, it actually made the book much better. Last year, I released Awakening the Dragon and the sequel, Dragon Domain–Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. However, once again I chose the wrong publisher. This summer I started my own publishing house called Valkyrie Publishing. Awakening the Dragon–Book One (978-0-9798406-0-9) was released in September. Dragon Domain–Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) became available the end of November. I also have an ebook of Shadows called Out of the Shadows and Into the Light available on my website. It is a Wiccan and Pagan book of wisdom that describes the Earth based religions and gives rituals for the modern day world. If you want to know what Wiccans and Pagans believe or how they worship, Out of the Shadows will give you the information you are looking for. In addition, there are rituals for both the novice and experienced practitioner.

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

I started a novel back in when I first graduated from High School. It made me realize how little I knew about the writing craft. I still have it and eventually will finish 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?

Too many to count. Originally, I was published through Publish America, then it was Pagefree. Both were very frustrating and disappointing experiences. Last spring, I did the research and learned that it was not as complicated or expensive as I thought. That’s when I started Valkyrie Publishing. I had toyed with the idea becoming the next POD publisher. However, I realistically looked at my account experience and admitted that I didn’t have the resources to do it properly yet. So instead of publishing others’ work, I am a consultant to help them do it for themselves.

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

When I was 16, I wrote my first short story. At the time, I though it was the best thing since sliced bread. When it was rejected, I stopped writing for three months. Looking back, an act of the Goddess couldn’t have gotten it printed. It was a good story, but it was sent out hand written with many technical errors. However, once I started writing again, I never really stopped. Although sometimes I did have to slow down. I kept going by keeping writing. Every piece is a little better as I got more experience.

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

I didn’t really choose them. Publish America chose me. Evidently, they got my information from my US Copyright. It was not my best decision.

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

Originally, it was wonderful. It was a validation of a lot of hard work. I called everyone I knew, then went to lunch.

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

When I first started, I was very inexperienced. Even though I had media experience, I hadn’t been able to translate it into book promotions. Once I started joining writing groups, I was able to build a bridge between the publishing and broadcasting experience. Most writers are prepared for all the hard work that comes after the book is finished. Writing is the easy and fun part. The real work comes afterwards as you create a brand name for yourself and reach your target markets.

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

Yes and no. It has been a long, hard row to hoe, but I like where I have ended up. The only thing I would change is that I would have learned computers sooner. By refusing to embrace my inner techno-geek, I delayed my success.

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

Very much so both as a writer and a publisher. I have expanded into non-fiction both locally and online. I am a contributing writer to the local newspaper and a content writer for a psychic service as well as writing press releases not only for myself but other writers. I publish a monthly ezine called Messages from the Universe, which has a readership over 1200. With my fiction, my characters have become more defined and honest as I have grown as a person. Each of them, even the evil ones, are aspects of myself. The better I know myself, the better I can translate them on paper.

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 been less stubborn, especially when it comes to the technical end. Storylines and character–the creative aspects were always easy for me. I created stories like most people breathe. What I had issues with was the technical end. Spelling, punctuation and grammar do count. No longer are editors willing to smooth out the rough spots and publishers won’t look past the technical boo-boos at the story, no matter how great it is. It I had been more willing to listen, instead of digging in my heels, I probably would be further along.

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

Having the courage to believe in myself and fight for my rights. Many times, it would have been very easy to just give up and lead a mundane life, but it wouldn’t have made me happy. It’s not so much of my trying to be J. K. Rowlings, even through we write in similar genres, but being able to tell a story that others will find interesting enough to want to read.

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

I worked in television for over six years. It is what I received my second BA for. I think I would go back to it. I loved the work. Hated the politics. The hurry up and wait sets up strange situations. I love to edit video and audio.

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

No, not again. For all six years, I tried to do them both. For most of that time, I was successful, but I didn’t produce many written projects. I’m 49 years old and no longer willing to give up on having what makes me happy.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself as a successful writer and publisher with at least two dozen books and as many screenplays. It would be nice to have an Oscar.

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

Keep writing. Have faith in yourself, but learn as much about the industry as you can. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to do the work. Although the act of writing is very important, it needs to be balance with living life. The best stories and characters are created through the interaction with the world. If you cloister yourself away, you will rapidly run out of material and loose touch with what your readership wants.

Tags: Beyond the Books, author interviews, book publicity, Theresa Chaze, Awakening the Dragon, magical fantasy

An Interview with Psychological Mystery Author Roberta Isleib

New Jersey born clinical psychologist Roberta Isleib took up writing mysteries to justify too much bad golf. Her Cassie Burdette series was nominated for an Agatha and two Anthony awards. Her new series debuted in March with DEADLY ADVICE, starring a psychologist/advice columnist. PREACHING TO THE CORPSE will follow in December 2007. Roberta is the president of Sisters in Crime International.  You can visit her website at http://www.robertaisleib.com

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Roberta.  Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

My seventh book will be published in December 2007, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE.  

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

FINAL ROUND was a prequel to the Cassie Burdette golf mysteries. This was the book that landed me an agent (Paige Wheeler of Folio Literary) and sold a 3-book series to Berkley Prime Crime. However, in Final Round my main character was caddying for a guy on the men’s professional golf tour, with aspirations to play herself—once she got her act together. The editors at Berkley decided they wanted to start her out playing golf in the first book of the series. After a lot of grousing to my husband, I put the book in the drawer and started on SIX STROKES UNDER. I was able to use a lot of the backstory from Final Round in the series and also realize that I’ve grown a great deal as a writer! 

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? 

It was no picnic, but I did find an agent and she did sell my book to a mainstream publisher. None of it came easily or quickly. I studied Elizabeth Lyon’s The Sell Your Novel Toolkit and Jeff Herman’s Writer’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. I contacted agents who had interests like mine (mystery, sports, psychology), or who had some feature in their personal background that made me think we might connect. I hired an independent editor to give me fairly inexpensive but useful feedback on my manuscript-she directed me to several agents. I attended mystery conventions and talked with people there about the process. I attended the International Women’s Writers Guild “Meet the Agents” forum in New York City. I groveled in front of everyone I even remotely knew connected with the publishing business. And I suffered through multiple rejections and shouldered gamely forward, my skin toughening by the hour. After a good year’s worth of rejections, Paige Wheeler offered to represent me. It took her another 8 months and a number of rejections before she sold it to Berkley. 

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

Each rejection was a kick in the gut. I gave myself a day or two to wallow, then moved ahead.  Publishing is an extremely competitive field right now. Writers sell themselves short if they don’t spend as much time as possible learning the craft and polishing their work before they start to submit it. I still work with a group of readers who critique my manuscripts and I’ve spent a fair amount of my (admittedly small) income hiring an editor to help me learn more about writing, plotting, and breathing life into characters. 

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

SIX STROKES UNDER, 2002, Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin) 

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

I was absolutely thrilled. I threw an enormous book launch party at the local bookstore, RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison CT. I invited everyone I knew. They had to move the event to the library across the street because 200 people came. I gave a talk about the book and getting published and we all drank champagne and ate cake. It was a wonderful, wonderful night. 

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

See above. I contacted the bookstore well in advance and told them how many people I thought I could bring in. I sent out press releases, kept a mailing list, attended conferences, networked like crazy. And you must have a professional-looking website. 

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

Absolutely not. 

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

Four more golf mysteries were published, along with my two books in the new series, DEADLY ADVICE and PREACHING TO THE CORPSE. These two books feature a clinical psychologist who writes an advice column. I work hard at improving my writing for each book—I never want to be the kind of author that people shake their heads over saying, “she started out strong, what happened?” 

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? 

There are no shortcuts. I only wish I had started earlier—like taken the creative writing classes offered at Princeton when I was an undergraduate! But I wasn’t ready to write then and I sure am now. 

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

I’ve just been installed as the 21^st president of Sisters in Crime. SinC was founded in 1986 by a small group of writers including Sara Paretsky and Nancy Pickard, and has grown to an international organization with over 3400 members.  Sisters in Crime began by monitoring review space in newspapers and pointing out potential biases to reviewers. The group found that a book written by a man was seven times more likely to be reviewed than a book by a woman, important because libraries and fans make choices depending on reviews.   Over the past twenty years, Sisters in Crime has continued to combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers and the general public as to inequities in the treatment of female authors, raise the level of awareness of their contributions to the field, and promote the professional advancement of women who write mysteries. It’s an amazing organization! 

Would you give up your profession to be doing something else? 

I love what I’m writing now. I can highlight my background in psychology and write about folks in that field who are competent and caring, rather than the idiotic and downright hurtful professionals you often see in movies and on TV. 

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Maybe the author of 16 books, rather than 7—a grande dame of the mystery world! 

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

Polish, polish, hone your craft. I know that traditional publishing is a hard road, but self-publishing brings its own problems, including distribution, getting reviews, and more generally, respect. There are some good reasons to go that route—if you have a niche market or a small audience—but make sure you know what you’re in for. Actually that advice works for any kind of publishing!  

Tags: Beyond the Books, author interviews, virtual book tour, Roberta Isleib, Preaching to the Corpse, psychological murder mystery

Interview with Las Vegas True Crime Author Dennis N. Griffin

Las Vegas true crime author Dennis N. Griffin began writing in 1996, following a 20-year career in investigations and law enforcement in New York State. He currently has six fiction and three non-fiction books published. His non-fictions are about Las Vegas police and organized crime history. His latest release (July 1, 2007) is CULLOTTA – The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness. You can visit his website here.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Dennis. 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 currently have nine books published. Six are mystery/thriller fiction. My three latest books are non-fiction and are about Las Vegas police and organized crime history.

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 The Morgue in 1996. I ended up self-publishing after compiling a stack of 30 or so rejections and just missing getting grabbed in an agent scam.

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

The rejections and scams depressed and frustrated me to say the least. I was on the verge of throwing in the towel when I was solicited by a self-publishing services provider. I signed on and that was the beginning of my education into the other critical aspect of the business: marketing. My book was published by 1stBooks (now AuthorHouse). They were in the process of expanding their operation from only producing e-books to include printed and bound books. Their solicitation offered print books for only a $75 setup fee.

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

When 1stBooks sent me my two free author copies I was euphoric. To celebrate I took some family members and close friends out to dinner and bought a bottle of champagne for a toast.

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

My first promo efforts were directed to trying to schedule book store signings. That’s when I learned that self-published and/or POD authors have an uphill battle in getting events scheduled or their books stocked in the brick and mortar stores, especially the chains.

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

Even knowing what I know now, I probably would have gone the same route due to beginning my writing career lateer in life. I felt that I couldn’t keep going the query-submission-rejection route month after month seeking a traditional publisher. Had I started earlier, I might have thought differently.

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

(See answer #1 re: publishing history) I believe that my career turned the corner when I switched from writing fiction to non-fiction. I’m very comfortable researching and writing police and organized crime history.

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 should have done the necessary research before or at least in conjunction with writing the manuscript. It may not have changed the road I traveled, but it would have prepared me for what to expect. I wouldn’t have wasted time and effort querying publishers that didn’t handle my genre. I would have understood the drawbacks self-published/POD authors have to overcome. I would have been preparing for the next steps before the manuscript was finished rather than scrambling to catch up afterward.

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

I think the success of my latest book, CULLOTTA – The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness, is the highlight of my writing career so far. Seeing the book ranked on Amazon’s bestseller lists in multiple categories has been a real thrill for me.

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

Writing is a second career for me. I truly enjoyed my days in law enforcement and investigations. My current non-fiction efforts allow me to stay in touch with my previous life in many respects, giving me the best of both worlds.

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

My advice to aspiring authors is to do your homework. Determine what you want to accomplish as a writer. Become familiar with the business you’re getting into and ask yourself if you’re willing to make the commitment in time and energy to become a success. If you decide to self-publish, don’t produce an inferior book just because you don’t have the publisher’s editor checking your work. Do your research and have the manuscript edited by a professional. Produce a book you’ll be proud to have people read. Quality work will never hurt you; it can only help to enhance your reputation. And don’t give up. There will be disappointments and down days. Don’t let them beat you. Your perseverance and professionalism will be rewarded in the end.

Tags: Beyond the Books, author interview, Las Vegas, true crime, virtual book tour, Dennis N. Griffin, organized crime, Cullotta, Tony Spillotro, Mafia, casino

Remembering 9/11

Welcome to Beyond the Books!

Welcome to Beyond the Books!  We will be interviewing authors to find out what makes them tick.  How do they feel when they get rejections and how do they handle it?  What’s it like to get a contract and how do they celebrate?  Is being published all that it’s cracked up to be or is it the most wonderful thing in the world?

We will explore everything there is to know about being published and we might learn a few things along the way about the life of a published author.

Stay tuned for author interviews from bestselling authors to those trying to climb up the publishing ladder to success.  These are authors from all walks of life and they could even be you!

If you would like to be interviewed for Beyond the Books, click on our “About” page.

Thank you!