I liked the idea of being able
to speak your voice without saying a word. I am not much of a talker. There
were also certain events in my life that helped push me in that in that
direction too. For example in the 6th
grade. The class had to write a story on how a parrot got its colors. The
teacher was very impressed with my story showing my mother at parent teacher
conference. I think it was at that moment the seeds of being a writer was
planted in me. It took time for it to bloom though. It was not until middle
school/high school where in English Lit class I got introduced to the works of
poets and authors such as Maya Angelo, Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, William
Blake. I was then that it all came together inspiring me to try to write
myself.
The journey to become an indie author is a hard one. What made you decide to self-publish over the traditional route?
It was not an easy choice. I
debated it for months weighing both options heavily. I also thought my book was a bit unique, and
that traditional publishers would shy away from it due to its racy angels
characters, and overall format of the book.
Maybe kind of silly of me, but in the end I felt self publishing was the
best route. I was still scared though, but millions self publish why couldn’t
I?
Being an indie author makes you a part of a unique community. Can you tell us in ways you like to give back to those that support your chosen path?
I have joined an Indie Authors
Tweet exchange group. We post our tweets about our books, events, whatever then
everyone then reweets them. It is amazing how much exposure you can get with
this. I have over 100 twitter followers now! I also have a “Supporting Fellow
Authors” board on Pinterest. I post books from other fellow indie authors on
there to help them gain more exposure with my fans and followers. I ’ve done
book reviews for fellow indie authors blog tours as well.
Many authors struggle to come up with great ideas for their books. What inspires you to write each day? And what helps your creative palette?
The love and passion I have for writing inspires me to write every day.
That sounds super corny doesn’t it? It is true though! Writing inspires me to
write. Professionals say its import we as writers to write everyday even if
it’s just a grocery list. I have gotten into this pattern. It is a way of life
now. I sometimes have to force myself
NOT to write. Especially if I am stuck on a scene. I know I need to go take a
break then come back to it later.
Mind you this is not an easy
task with being a single mom of twin toddlers and a 4th grader! I wish I had a
whole day where I could just sit and write!
I run a scheduled house hold so I manage to squeeze in writing twice a day
whether it’s working on book 2 of Angelic Confessions, writing a product review
for a client, or responding to a post on Facebook. Hey I wrote today! Music and
books are most helpful to help stir the
creative juices. I also started using gemstones that are said to help with
creativity. I’ve been carrying them around sleeping with them under my pillow.
It actually has helped! Didn’t plan on it to.
With you just starting out as a newly published author, do you find yourself overwhelmed with the support you receive? Why?
I have been amazed more than
overwhelmed. I am like a giddy little school girl at times. I can not help it.
The support from my friends and family is great of course, but when it is a
stranger that says they are a fan, a
fellow author, a writer, your peers! It
is amazing!
With just released "Angelic Confessions, Book 1." What was your first reaction when you realized you were published?
Oh my god I did it! Crap no
time to rest now I got to market this baby. I then passed out at my
computer.(Note I was sleep deprived.)
How did you come up with your novella "Angelic Confessions"?
It came from this continuing
dream I was having. It was like I was reading a book in my dreams. Every night
the dream picked up where it left off the night before with a new chapter
revealed. It was driving me crazy
actually. I’ve had dreams where I wake up, and go right back into the same
dream again. This was going on for weeks! I finally decided to write it down in
hopes to get it out of my dreams. Funny thing was the dreams stopped the moment
I started writing down the story.
What helpful tips would you give to other writers that are in the process of publishing there first work?
1. Research your publishers to
make sure you pick the right one for you, even if you are self publishing. When
I decided to self publish I realized I THEN had to decided which self publisher
to go to!
2. If at all possible hire a
professional editor. If you are poor ask an old/current English teacher. Work
out an affordable price with them to edit for you. Maybe ask to do something special in return
for them.
3. Ask someone a friend,
colleague, pastor, whom ever to read your final product before sending it off.
You might be amazed as what the average reader catches that professional eyes
might of even miss.
What is the weirdest thing you do to get yourself in the mood to write?
I do the dishes. I don’t know
why there something about my kitchen that just gets my mind flowing. The kitchen
is yellow so maybe the bright yellow color does something to my brain. I
haven’t a clue, but my best ideas come from doing the dishes.
This is all very interesting Jan. But now will come the hardest question of them all. Tell us and all our fans how to connect with you, along with how to purchase your wonderful book "Angelic Confessions."
You can connect with me via my home page
AND
Synopsis:
“In a world where the
Father created all I was born...an angel. A new breed it was meant to overthrow
the children of heaven. To prevent this I was taken, and raised as Father's
own. my memories wiped, the killer beast inside me caged. Memories never stay
buried though...and love could threaten us all. “
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