Apr 18, 2024 | Editors' Blog
A good part of my life has been spent packing boxes to move house, often from one country to another. My children were trilingual from a young age, having Spanish and English at home and learning to read and write in Italian. The advantage was that they acquired new languages easily. It was tough on all of us at times, but in the long run our peripatetic lifestyle was to our benefit. Being a teacher I was able to work in international schools, which led to writing school text books. When this workload increased, I gave up the day job to write full time.
One of my projects was a re-telling of Norse myths and legends for Penguin. This was subsequently cancelled, but, like other upheavals it worked to my advantage. I turned part of my background notes on the Norse Volsung Saga into a fantasy novel.
Important detail #1: Never delete early drafts of anything. One day those words may come in very handy. I am currently using material I created fifteen years ago in the sequel to The Doomsong Sword (2017).
Becoming a fiction author is one of the best and worst things I have ever done. On the one hand, it’s enormously satisfying, despite all the editing and re-writes, but for me there is a lot of stress once the final draft is complete. After the editing and proofreading stages of my textbooks, the publisher’s team took over cover design, promotion and marketing. This is something I didn’t take into account when I was looking for a fiction publisher. I assumed they would do the same: edit and proofread, give me time to make corrections, and my story would go into the sales channels without me being involved. Wrong!
Important detail #2 Traditionally published authors are expected to promote their work and themselves the way self-publishing authors do.
Becoming a hybrid fiction author happened more by chance than good planning. Having spent most of my working life teaching and writing about Literature with a capital L, I was dubious about my own narrative skills. Was I really good enough to be published? I’d been scribbling ideas for stories, bits of purple prose and snappy dialogue in notebooks since I don’t remember when, but finishing a full-length novel, and believing it was good enough for publication . . . That stayed my hand. I’m not gifted with self-belief and still suffer from imposter syndrome.
While we were living in Holland during the 1990s, I finished a full-length contemporary literary novel and sent it off to an agent, who told me what needed adjusting for publication. I set about doing this, but then we moved again, I lost focus, and the agent lost interest. The MS went in a drawer, then into an attic. My second attempt was historical fiction. It incorporated my lost agent’s advice, and my experience of living in Holland and Spain. The MS went through numerous drafts and eventually became The Empress Emerald.
It is said that a first novel is always autobiographical: this is largely nonsense, but we obviously draw on personal experience, and in this case, I was putting family upheavals to good use. My fiction incorporates aspects of my travels: I’ve either lived and worked somewhere, or been on an extended visit to just about every location. Plus, I do a lot of research and background reading for each epoch.
After the Empress Emerald (set 1900-1940), I started a linked trilogy about the protagonist’s ancestor, a wily Genoese rogue known as Ludo da Portovenere. The Chosen Man trilogy took years to complete, but I had a supportive publisher, who didn’t hassle me over deadlines, and perhaps more importantly, liked what I was writing. This makes a difference. Many outfits treat their writers as copy-suppliers and their novels as products.
The first Bob Robbins Home Front Mystery emerged from an early draft for something quite different (never delete anything) set in Cornwall. My MA dissertation was on WWII Home Front propaganda so I had accumulated knowledge to deepen the plot, but this story needed a local detective. In those days, retired police officers were called back into service to replace younger men who’d joined up. Fortunately, my grandfather had been a ‘Special’ during the war, so I had some anecdotes to work on. This is how dumpy, grumpy DS Bob Robbins came into my life – and decided to stay.
After the first in this series, Local Resistance (about the ultra-secret British resistance groups), I decided to go solo, in the hope of getting more for my writing than standard publishers’ royalties.
Important point #3: Fiction publishers cover editing and book design costs; some do more marketing than others; some pay an advance (which may have to be paid back if the book isn’t a success). Self-publishing can get expensive. In my experience, choosing between trad or indie is a question of preference. After fifteen years as a full-time novelist, I’d say it’s largely swings and roundabouts. Other authors may disagree, of course.
My current w.i.p is historical fantasy. I’m stretching beyond my popular genres, but the writing skills are much the same. Skills that require practice, dedication and a degree of perfectionism. Among the useful things I learned while writing school books was how to be clear and succinct, and that editors should not be ignored.
Important point #4: self-edit until you are 100% satisfied, then accept what a professional editor says needs changing. It can hurt, but in my experience editors are wise. After editing, proofread very carefully, better still, get a professional to do it.
Whether you are a younger unpublished author or an older person wanting to write, be aware that every stage takes time, and it can be hard work. It can also be a wonderful journey from first ideas to tweaking your cover blurb.
If you are aiming for a traditional contract, barring a stroke of luck in finding an agent quickly, and then a publisher or a smaller indie press (no agent required), it could be up to a year before you hold your book in your hands. Traditional publishing involves an annoying fast and slow paradox: the writer must meet deadlines quickly, which means working late into the night, missing family weddings etc, but then, once your copy is in, it may be a good while before the book goes to press. Be aware there may be a few bruises along the way. If you plan to self-publish, budget for a good editor and cover designer, and be prepared for some other bumps along the way.
Whichever route you choose, whatever your background, whatever your age, if you have always wanted to write, get started. As I say, it can be seriously hard work, but the reward and sense of satisfaction makes it all worthwhile.
J.G Harlond: Award-winning author of The Bob Robbins Home Front Mysteries, The Chosen Man Trilogy, The Empress Emerald, Dark Night, Black Horse and The Doomsong Sword
Find Jane on https://www.jgharlond.com/
Blog – Reading & Writing: https://wp-harlond.jgharlond.com/
Penmore Press: www.penmorepress.com
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Read J.G. Harlond book at Amazon USA.
Read J.G. Harlond book at Amazon.co.uk
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Tyler Strong about his book, Breaking Into IT: Your Roadmap to Success in the Tech Industry.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am an athlete. I lead a flag football team in Tennessee where I play with former college and pro athletes. I was also a college and semi-pro rugby player.
Why do you write?
I write to help lead others to success. I struggled to find my way into the IT industry and was lucky to have mentors to lean on. Not everyone has that luxury so I write to give back knowledge I have learned to others looking for a rewarding career.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
From my own experiences. I spent countless hours researching, studying, and testing various tools and software to find what worked for me to achieve success. I also follow various influencers on social media who share a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Self-help is a genre that can literally change your life. There are so many books to help with career changes, curving mindsets, understanding others, and much more. I am a continuous learner and when I read a book, I want to learn something from it. In my opinion, self-help is the best genre for that. So many people have transformed their lives by reading self-help books.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process is informative. I don't sugar coat what I write. Finding a rewarding career takes work, but it is worth the time and effort. I am a firm believer that you get out of life what you put in. I try to share as much information as I can through my writing but doing it in a way that anyone can follow and learn from.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Social media is a game changer for authors as it allows us to reach a wider audience much quicker than traditional methods. It allows us to seamlessly connect with fans and potential readers from across the globe. In my case, I wrote about Information Technology. While I am US based, there is a big number of IT professionals across the globe. Social media allows me to connect, interact, and help people on a world wide scale.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write about something you are passionate about. Writing should be fun and inspiring. Your best work will come out when you write about topics you love or have a passion for. In my case, technology, I could write all day and throw thousands of pages of information into a book because there is so much to the subject because I am passionate about technology.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I check similar books that have had success then I provide some beta readers with options to get input from actual readers.
What's your next step?
My next step is to begin speaking arrangements to inform others of the opportunities that exist in the field of IT. Along the way, I am writing another self-help book to help others achieve their goals in more areas than just technology.
What book do you wish you'd written?
How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie. That book is a masterpiece by a brilliant author that truly stands the test of time. I refer to it frequently to help understand the emotions of others and control my own.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I love constructive criticism. I want to know where my book could use improvement so I can make my next book even better. What I love most is reading reviews of individuals saying that the book helped them find their way in the industry.
FIND TYLER'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Pierce Roberts about his book, Blood of the Pharoahs.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Veterinarian for 49 years.
Why do you write?
I enjoy developing a good story with some twists and turns that will surprise the readers.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
This is book five in the Destroyer series so the story connects and develops with each new installment. The timeless battle of good versus evil never ends.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Again that battle of good versus evil with the promise that evil should never win (although they try very hard).
How would you describe your writing process?
The storylines are out there, all around us. If I sense a ‘what if ?’ that often can morph into a good tale.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Greater audience and the ability to target readers with similar tastes.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Don’t give up.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Since this is a series, the titles and covers interconnect with the theme.
What's your next step?
Continue to develop the series.
What book do you wish you'd written?
All Creatures Great and Small.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
A review is only an opinion, an interpretation of the manuscript, but it can help others decide if they want to invest the time to read your work. Good or bad we learn from the reviewers.
FIND PIERCE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Douglas Buckland about his book, Good Friends Are Hard To Come By: An action adventure thriller for men (The Unintended Series Book 1).
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
In the past I've held 3 Liberian shipping tickets; Able Bodied Seaman, Survival Craft Crewman and Oiler.
Why do you write?
I have always read voraciously, so during the Covid lockdowns I decided to try writing.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I grew up in Colorado working on cars and hunting, so this gave me a basis for my characters. During my career in the oilfield, I traveled extensively which opened up many other options for locations. I try to be as accurate as possible with my locations, so actually living and working in these places was helpful.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
The ability to be creative and to use my imagination. I also enjoy the ability to interject come laughs and comedy into the tense situations or the relationships that my characters find themselves in.
How would you describe your writing process?
Structured. I like to come up with a storyline in my mind, then outline it ‘on paper'. I call the outline the skeleton that I will hang the meat of the story on as I write.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I'll be 64 soon and I am not really an aficionado of social media. I do interact with some writer's pages and exchange ideas with a few select authors on them, but I find many authors who post on social media ask for advice or criticism, but when they receive it they either ignore it or simply can not take criticism.
What advice would you have for other writers?
To take writing seriously. It seems to me that many new authors feel that they can just sit down in front of their laptop and hammer out a novel. They do not realize that it is a long, involved process which takes a lot of research and discipline.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I always create the title and the cover from something that occurs in the novel. I think this is important and a duty to your prospective readers. The cover, the title and the ‘back blurb' must reflect the book as accurately as possible. I'll come up with a few ideas for the covers and the titles and send them to my publisher. She is a very clever person and a more experienced author as well. She'll shoot some of my ideas down while offering her suggestions. It is an iterative process that seems to work well for us.
What's your next step?
I'll keep writing, but I need to become more knowledgeable and active concerning the marketing of my books.
What book do you wish you'd written?
The Loo Sanction by Trevanian, or anything by Janet Evanovich.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I enjoy it, good or bad. Everyone likes to see the good reviews and it makes you feel that your efforts are not wasted. On the other hand, the negative reviews tend to show you where you can improve.
FIND DOUGLAS' BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with J.G. Harlond about her book, Secret Meetings: A Bob Robbins Home Front Mystery.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I've hang-glided off Mont Blanc, and bred and trained Spanish horses.
Why do you write?
Some people play the piano; I write. For many years I wrote text books, then moved on to fiction. I now apply my work-day discipline and research skills to something more creative but no less demanding.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
After years of reading quality historical fiction, spy stories and classic crime, I began writing novels that included an element of each.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Historical crime fiction requires serious background reading and research: I love it when I find something unexpected or little-known that would make a cracking story.
How would you describe your writing process?
I treat my writing like a normal job: I work at a desk and don't cut corners at the editing stage. I grew up hearing ‘If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well.'
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Being an author can be lonely at times, and few people understand the hard work that goes into fiction, so it has been lovely to meet like-minded souls on-line. Fellow authors are also very supportive in the main; ‘sharing' and ‘liking' helps a lot in the current over-crowded book market.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Get started, stay focused, get finished. Always use a professional editor. Don't settle for second best in anything.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I try out different titles with my beta readers (who are also authors). My self-published covers are by professional designers, who are willing to listen and tweak until we are both satisfied. I have almost no control over my traditionally published covers.
What's your next step?
I'm on the third draft of a new hist-fic novel, and the next Bob Robbins Home Front Mystery is at the thinking and planning stage in a bright new notebook.
What book do you wish you'd written?
Niccolò Rising by Dorothy Dunnett.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Usually thrilled, sometimes astonished. Reviews generally say more about the reviewer than the book they (may not) have read.
FIND J.G. HARLOND'S BOOK ON AMAZON
VISIT J.G. HARLOND'S WEBSITE
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Jacqueline Johnson about her book, Women and Gut Health: Stop Living In Silence, Suffering, And Stigmas With Your Gastrointestinal Issues And Plan For Improved, Sympton Free Digestion And Overall Wellbeing.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
At the retirement stage of life though not retired, continue to love what I do—40 plus Nursing career.
Why do you write?
Writing was a way I could use what I know from my nursing experience to help people.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
Inspiration came from observations in day surgery where I currently work. More women were coming in for gut issues than men.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It allows you to share information, educate/teach, allow/provide feedback.
How would you describe your writing process?
Under the publishing platform I was in keeping to tasks and not giving up was highly emphasized. I followed everything to the letter in spite of not being tech savvy. Any challenges I would seek help from support coach, family/friend. I took my time writing to ensure everything was proper.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
More awareness of your book resulting in more book sales.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Never give up on your goal of having something to say through writing.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Book title was selected from categories/genres of books already listed in Amazon. Your book title had to be unique from other books in your same genre. I used a paid service to come with a book design and a contest to see which book cover would be most popular.
What's your next step?
Keep promoting/advertising my book.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Happy because it adds to social proof for my book.
FIND JACQUELINE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Santi Limonche about his book, The Staff of Karanos: an epic fantasy adventure.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I studied mathematics at university and my hobby is to study ancient Greek and Latin with my aunt (a retired high school professor).
Why do you write?
One morning, a few years ago, I woke up with the need to write and it was getting stronger and stronger. So, I got down to it. In three weeks I planned the architecture of my first novel and in four months I wrote the first draft. Since then, I have learned to enjoy the process of writing after taking courses in narrative techniques.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
Undoubtedly: the muses. They have received many names over the centuries. Inspiration guides you and whispers what you should write. It helps me to listen to classical or epic music, depending on my mood.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Fantasy allows you to escape from reality, while at the same time reflecting the same problems that happen in the real world. Also, it is true that magic can be seen with the phrase that Arthur C. Clarke said: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.
How would you describe your writing process?
First I sketch a brief outline of the skeleton of the novel and then I start writing. You could say I'm a cross between a writer-architect and a gardener: not much planning, but I don't leave everything to chance either. And if something struggles, I start with another scene. And, very importantly, I write every day.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I believe that there are as many paths as there are writers. If social networks work for them, I'm happy for them. The hard part is finding the perfect path for us. It has been said so many times that what works for one person, doesn't work for another…
What advice would you have for other writers?
Don't be afraid to write and don't think about what others will say. Comparisons do not help. Also, I recommend sitting down to write every day, even if it's just a paragraph. You have to look for the muses!
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The title came to mind when I wrote the last word of the first draft of the novel. Up to that time, it was simply “novel”. However, for the prequel, I already had a clear title about the origin of the bimbairi before I started writing.
What's your next step?
Writing the sequel to The Staff of Karanos. I have some ideas to explain the origin of the bimbairi thanks to a question a friend asked me.
What book do you wish you had written?
Good question… There are so many good writers and wonderful books out there that it's hard to choose. My heart is torn between Lord of the Rings and Don Quixote.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I react with gratitude and joy upon receiving a new review. Although, my aspiration would be if I could get someone hooked on literature like I am. I think there is the perfect book for everyone: I found it with “…en un lugar llamado Tierra” by Jordi Sierra i Fabra. Literature has given me so much that I would like to give something back.
VISIT SANTI'S WEBSITE
FIND SANTI'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Jeff Burlingame about his book, George Varnell: The Life and Times of a Pioneering Sportsman.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
My books have twice been featured as questions on Jeopardy!
Why do you write?
To share stories about unique and interesting people, places, and things.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
From the subject’s family. It also involves Gonzaga University’s successful basketball team (George Varnell was their first-ever coach), The Boys in the Boat (George Varnell was like a member of their squad), and the Olympics (George Varnell was a competitor in two events). He was one well-known person that I had never heard of until I spoke with his family.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
That truth (nonfiction) can be just as interesting as fiction, or even more so, if done properly.
How would you describe your writing process?
Research, sketch, edit. Repeat.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
They can discover an audience of like-minded individuals.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Be sure that at its core, you're writing for the right reason… and that right reason is not any potential monetary gain.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I have been fortunate enough that all my publishers have allowed me to have at least some creative input in the cover-selection process. Some more than others, but I've always had a say. I love working with talented designers to see what they come up with.
What's your next step?
I am working on writing and publishing my next book. That's something I've fortunately been able to say for almost 20 years now since my first one was published.
What book do you wish you had written?
The River Why by David James Duncan.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I'm glad someone read it and felt strongly enough to form a written opinion… good or bad (but mostly good!).
VISIT JEFF'S WEBSITE
FIND JEFF'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with M.J. Polelle about his book, The Mithras Conspiracy.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I'm a former law professor turned novelist in my “second act” of life.
Why do you write?
To be a creator who sets characters loose in the world around me.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
Reading The Da Vinci Code and soon after spending a honeymoon in Italy.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It forces me to write plot and engage actively with issues in the world.
How would you describe your writing process?
Rhythmic. I don't believe in daily word counts or obsessive rituals.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Not much. It drains time and energy from the creative task. Writers write, something different from social media.
What advice would you have for other writers?
If you write to fulfill an inner urge, you'll keep going no matter the headwinds.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Carefully.
What's your next step?
Over cappuccinos, I'm thinking of another thriller novel involving southwest Florida where I live.
What book do you wish you had written?
Farewell to Arms.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Depends on the review. If the reviewer “gets it,” I'm delighted. If there's a criticism, I try to learn from it if I think it's valid.
VISIT M.J.'S WEBSITE
FIND M.J.'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Anka B. Troitsky about her book, Object & Vist: Book 1 in the Vist series (Who is Vist).
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I came to the UK from Kazakhstan over 30 years ago. I am an old scholar, and although I left my profession to my past, I still look at the world and people as scientists. I am not a big fan of people, but I love animals and plants, video games, and beautiful things that good people can create.
Why do you write?
I started writing recently, but I have been a storyteller all my life. I love entertaining people by taking them on a journey to a different world, asking them questions within my narrative and hoping they will think of an answer. My characters are fictional, but their story is still about us. Who else?
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My father. He was a man who took me on the reading journey and showed me the wonders of sci-fi and fantasy. His book collection now gives me the courage to write my books. As soon as I start, the manuscript seems to be writing itself, and I love being there with my characters, having an adventure.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I don't like how our world is going, so I created a new one in my fantasy and welcome you there. There is a whole universe full of possibilities and wonders to explore that my favourite genre allows.
How would you describe your writing process?
The hardest part is to get to my desk. Life always gets in the way. However, once I am here, I am gone from this world. I lock the door and turn my phone off; only my cats are allowed to stay with me. Sometimes, it feels like the story is controlling me rather than me creating it. I lose myself in the narrative, and time flies.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I have a great respect for self-publishing authors. I have my reasons. Marketing has become our second most time-consuming job, so any honest means are good enough. Social media can help, but there are lots of things to avoid.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write, write, write, as much as you can. Read a lot, and never skip professional editing. Find your readers and be one big family.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I am still learning to come up with a good title, and I try a few before I pick one. Sometimes I ask for help. But the cover is completely down to me.
What's your next step?
To finish book 4 in the series.
What book do you wish you had written?
I love all the books of Terry Pratchett, but there is a one I wish was mine: NATION
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Every review is precious. I am grateful for everyone's opinion, even a critical one. I would love to be able to respond with my gratitude. I love all my readers because they are my guests, and I must become a gracious hostess.
VISIT ANKA'S WEBSITE
FIND ANKA'S BOOK ON AMAZON
