Straight from the Mouth of Sam Newsome, Author of JOE PEAS

Name:  Sam Newsome

Book Title:  Joe Peas

Farm life in rural North Carolina was ideal for fostering a work ethic and a love of the natural world.  In his youth, Sam Newsome also had strong family ties seasoned with a continual church influence.

He received a degree in American history from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1971.  His medical degree was endowed from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine (now Wake Forest University Medical School) in 1975.  In 1978 he completed his residency became certified in family medicine and in 1992 he became certified in geriatrics.

In 1978 he returned with his family to his hometown of King, North Carolina to begin his practice of family medicine and to fill gaps in the medical care.

Since then he has staffed the local hospital and health department.  He established a Jail health program and continued his care of residents in long- term care.

He lives in King, North Carolina with Betty, his wife of forty-five years.  One son, Carlton, lives in Raleigh and shares his father’s love of words.  His second son, Justin, lives in Winston-Salem and is an engineer at B/E Aerospace.

His first novel, Jackie, was published in the fall of 2013.  It chronicles the life of a young man with autistic tendencies who was judged uneducable as a child and denied a formal education.  As a young adult, with the aid of luck and friends, he is discovered to have a supernatural talent that propels him to a heroic destiny.  Jackie received the 2015 Garcia Memorial Prize (sponsored by Reader’s Views) for the best fiction book of the year.

His latest effort, Joe Peas, explores the life of an Italian itinerant house painter that was orphaned in World War II.  Joe Peas arrives in the present day small town of King’s Mill, North Carolina and enters the life of family doctor, James King.

Dr. King is struggling to maintain his practice in an increasingly hostile world.  On a personal level, a community that values conformity over individualism threatens his home life.  Joe’s rugged independence and individualism is a counterpoint to Dr. King’s regimented life.

Joe suffers an injury that sends him to Doc’s long-term care facility for rehabilitation.  There, Joe interacts with staff and residents in a unique way, giving the author the opportunity educate about long-term care.

Incidents in the facility occur that threaten to expose Joe’s secret life, and he is forced to leave abruptly.  After leaving, he hatches a plan to help Doc with his personal issues.  The plan is as outlandish and vibrant as Joe himself.     

Find out more about JOE PEAS on Amazon.

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

My academic training is in American history and medicine.  My medical practice of forty years continues to be busy and fulfilling.  Over the years I have shared stories with my patients, who in turn, have told me stories of their lives.  These are great stories that are the inspiration for my two novels. The trick is to weave these stories into a narrative that entertains, inspires and educates while preserving the anonymity of the source.

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

Perks?

Yep, I do get a kick from seeing a printed work.  The best part is having a reader tell me that they were inspired or moved after reading my book.  There’s also the surprise that, “You mean you wrote a book?”

Also, some of the stories and ideas I want to record won’t leave or I have a fear they will fade before I get them preserved. Getting them in print relieves the pressure.

Finally, just think of the money I’ve saved by not playing golf!

The downside is that the time required is demanding.  Late nights and all-nighters were something I had given up years ago, but they have returned.  The initial draft is best. The rewrite and editing are OK, but the further rewrites, editing, proof approvals do get tedious. They take time I could be writing original works, or, better yet, reading other great books.

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

I’ve self-published.  The publishing world has been turned upside down in recent years.  The day of the traditional press’ monopoly is past.  The traditional route would still be my preference, but I have no contacts into that world.  I even had a company help me polish my query letter and synopsis to “get it noticed.”  I now have an enormous stack or rejection letters, but no offers.  Does this mean that my writing is worthless, or “Doesn’t measure up.”  I thought that for a while; till I realized that none of these agents or publishers had asked to even see a part of my manuscript.  The only ones that received my synopsis were those that requested it as part of the initial query.

Were I younger, or if I didn’t have my time more than fully occupied with medical practice I would pursue writer’s conferences and venues where I could hunt the elusive agent in his natural habitat.  Since that’s not currently possible, the self-published route is fine.

I’ve used Lulu Publishing Services.  They have been up-front with explanations of the charges and the process. 

Do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

Oxciana is our aging calico cat with all the grace and agility of her namesake.  

Fortunately, she has an independent nature and has learned over our years together to be patient.  Should I be too tardy with the grub, she is a capable hunter.

Are your plants actually still alive?

I was raised on a farm and continue to live in an area with a rich farming heritage.  Preparation, planting and weeding are deeply ingrained in my DNA.  Plus my wife keeps them watered.

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

All the above occur.  In my case, it’s hospital and nursing home calls at all hours that interrupt.  Sometimes after a call, I come back to the keyboard with a new (usually better) perspective.  If too many calls come from one source, they may find themselves written into the book.

What was the craziest or insane thing that happened to you in the book publishing process?

I entered a contest and received a notification that the publication date made Jackie ineligible.  I took it in stride and forgot about it.  A year later the book received the Garcia Memorial Prize with the explanation that it had been eligible for a different category.  “Who’d of thunk it?”

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

I’m not of a generation that is born holding an iPhone.  My thumbs are not as over-developed as most teenagers.  I’ve been dragged into the twenty-first century.   I’m learning, though reluctantly.  Networking is a growing segment of the publishing industry, especially for the self-published.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

I’m using a publicist.  Hopefully we’ll find some more action. Local outlets have taken Jackie and will take Joe Peas, but I have been unable to get into the retail bookstores over and beyond local boutique outlets. 

This is one area where the traditional route would benefit from having a proven strategy.  On the other hand, I’ve heard horror stories of how much legwork was left to the author by even traditional publishers.

Of course, any discussion in forums such as “Straight from the Author’s Mouth” is welcome.

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

“Hey, I’m here and I’ve got something to say!”  I write to entertain, but also to educate and inform.  I am able to get on my soapbox and reach everyone who I can get to read a book.  In Jackie I teach understanding and potential in even unlikely places.  In Joe Peas I celebrate the individual and family, friends and faith as a source of healing.  That story also educates several good health habits and explores long-term care. 

My thought is that if there is no message, there is no reason to write.  Both of these stories have a message and should entertain and improve the reader.  The exposure to the book is paramount.

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

Nope, sorry, but there are many happy people who neither read nor write.  I’m one of those afflicted by the inability to let a good story lie.  If someone felt it was worth telling me a story, then it’s worth recording. 

When I was a child I would go with my father to the corner store on Saturdays.  The farmers would be there sitting on drink crates and tell stories. They would spend the afternoon telling great stories of farming and the life and times of rural culture.

I well remember the laughs, the respect and the comradery of those afternoons.  But I can’t remember even one story.  I wish I could. 

Straight from the Mouth of Brian W. Matthews, author of 'The Conveyance'

Brian W. Matthews’s latest book is The Conveyance, a horror/science fiction novel about a child therapist who uncovers a secret long kept hidden form the world. Together with his friend, police detective Frank Swinicki, he doggedly follows a trail of murder and madness, eventually exposing a sinister conspiracy that threatens the existence of the human race. The Conveyance can be purchased directly from the publisher at www.journalstone.com or from Amazon.  

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

For the money and the babes! Lots of babes!

No, really, people become authors because writing is in their blood—it’s what they want to do and, in many cases, what they have to do. I have characters in my head speaking to me, each clamoring for attention, each wanting his or her story told. Writing gives these special people a way to live, to love, and on occasion, to die. Until I put them on the page, they’re nothing more than annoyingly verbose thoughts in my head.

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

Being an author is both wonderful and terrible. It’s wonderful because you’re giving voice to characters, you’re creating whole worlds, and (most importantly) you’re entertaining others. Nothing compares to the happiness I feel when someone tells me how much he enjoyed one of my books. The downside is that writing is an extremely difficult and lonely profession. I sit for hours alone at my computer, which takes time away from my wife and children. I agonize over getting each sentence to be as short and succinct as possible. I end up putting myself out there for criticism. Those are the times when writing is not all it’s cracked up to be, but I wouldn’t stop—couldn’t stop—as long as I’m still drawing breath.

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

I went the route of traditional publishing. My first novel, Forever Man, found a home at JournalStone, a publisher specializing in horror, fantasy, and science fiction. While opinions vary, I’d recommend a writer try to secure a publisher before going for self-publishing. A publisher will assign your book to an editor. A publisher will pay for the cover art. A publisher will print the book, as well as format it as an e-book. These processes consume a lot of time and money, and if you self-publish, you’ll have to do it yourself. But regardless of which route you go, be prepared to be your own marketer. Unless you’re a big name author, a publisher isn’t going to put much money into marketing your work. Climb into the trenches of social media and the Internet and generate as much chatter about your work as possible.

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

For one, my daughter and step-daughters are all in college, so the time I spend away from them isn’t really noticed; heck, for all I know, that particular gaggle of new adults relishes the time I spend in my office writing and not bugging them to do their chores. My wife, though, is a gem. She is so supportive, so caring, that she doesn’t begrudge the time required to write, polish, and publish a book. She’s actually my main cheerleader, shouting to everyone who will hear each time a book is released. Her only gripe? I haven’t dedicated a book to her yet. To that I say—soon, honey. Soon.

Do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

Gigi the Savage Kitty gets her food on time. Every time. If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know what I’m talking about.

Are your plants actually still alive?

I regularly kill indoor plants, which is why I’ve switched to outdoor plants. That way, if they die because I’m too busy writing to remember to water them, I can blame Mother Nature. She should have peed on them more often.

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

I have dedicated times for writing, which are interrupted with regularity. I’ve accepted this reality. Life happens, and you have to attend to it. That’s why I have a daily word count goal and not a time goal for my writing. If I don’t get my words completed during my scheduled hours, I simply tell the family that I need an hour or two to finish my count. They’re pretty chill with this.

What was the craziest or most insane thing that happened to you in the book publishing process?

The craziest thing is that my first novel was picked up by the first publisher I sent it to. I had heard so much about authors getting multiple rejections on books that I fully expected to be hunting for years for a home for Forever Man. But within weeks of submitting the manuscript, I had a contract. It was completely crazy.

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

Social networks can be wonderful…if people treated one another with respect or stopped trumpeting their own agendas at everyone. For an author, Facebook is pretty much a “need to have” site, and I’ve had some great experiences with fans on my Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/ForeverManStories/) I’m not much of a Twitter fan; you’re limited on characters and it seems very superficial to me. I only tweet because it’s part of an author’s marketing. I’ve recently started on Instagram, and I’m having more fun with that format.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

There is so much competition for attention when it comes to readers. Thousands of books are published each year, either self-published or through a traditional publisher, and a reader needs to cut through so much chaff to get to the wheat. What I writer needs to do is try to stand out. Marketing is the key. Interviews like this help a lot. So does a social media presence. But nothing will benefit a writer more than a well-written, compelling book. No amount of marketing will sell a novel that isn’t the best it can be.

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

Other than if my hair’s on fire? It’s the fact that there are so many excellent authors out there and not just the biggest names in the most popular genres. If you’re a reader of a particular genre—horror, fantasy, romance, whatever—look outside the top-seller lists. Find an author, one whose work has been well reviewed, and read his or her book. Then write a review or tell someone about it…or jump on the rooftop and scream about it. As I noted in the previous question, new writers need to stand out from the masses; they need to get a reader’s attention. Reviews and recommendations can make or break a career. Help an author eat: write a review.

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above don’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

I smile each time someone tells me, “I read your book. It was great!” To know that I birthed a work of fiction that entertained another person, that I brought the person into a new world with new experiences and (hopefully) new understandings, is the best thing about being a published author. So much sweat is put into creating a novel. That it brought pleasure to another person is pretty cool.

Straight from the mouth of Julie Ann James, Author of 'Irish Jewel'

Julie Ann James lives in Sarasota, Florida. Her passion for words came at an early age and has inspired her to plant seeds literally all over the globe. She is the founder of the Peppertree Press book publishing company and The Pepper Tree Literary Magazine, an avid public speaker, a published children’s author and novelist. 

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

A writer since I was ten years old, it seemed only natural that I would continue writing as an adult. I started out like most writers submitting short stories to magazines, hoping for that byline and then venturing off into creating children’s book stories for early childhood level. After becoming a publisher, I was surrounded by amazing talented writers and challenged myself to write a novel. My first book, Haunted Echoes was a paranormal mystery and from that book forward, I was hooked. I am in the process of writing my third novel and the fourth is swirling around in my head, getting ready to put pen to paper. 

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

There is nothing like turning an idea into a creative masterpiece. Yes, it is completely worth it to write, publish and promote my books. I cannot imagine not writing.  Since I sit on both sides of the desk as a writer and a publisher, I so get and understand the desires that writers want and expect. Expectations do run high at times and keeping yourself grounded in this writing experience is so important.

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

I have always wanted to be a writer since I was ten years old. I didn’t actually start writing seriously until after my children were in middle school. All I really wanted is to get a byline and not necessarily be paid for it. I submitted many short stories for parenting magazines and then switched gears and started writing children’s books.  I can recall my first published piece which means that was my first byline. I received a check for $25.00 and because I was so excited, never cashed it.  I later submitted many children’s stories to what I refer to as the “Big Houses” most of their offices are in  New York, and they filled my mailbox with those dreaded rejection letters.  I later found a self-publishing company online and published two books with them.

I have learned so much in all these years, especially after self-publishing.  With that said, during this process I decided to start my own publishing company and offer the personal touch that writers so deserve. I have learned that you don’t have to be traditionally published to become a successful author as long as you love writing, work hard and get the word out, literally.  It is important to keep yourself grounded and keep your expectations in check at all times. 

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

I am very fortunate that my family and friends are so supportive with my writing and the writing process. They are amazing sounding boards for when my creative juices are flowing and know when to keep quiet and exit the room when I don’t respond right away to their questions. They know I am in the writing mode and to not bother me. Since I am a night owl, I write when everything is quiet anyway so it is just me and my characters in the room. 

This is for pet lovers.  If you don’t own a pet, skip this question, but do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

My Abby Girl is a 5 year old Aussie and she herds me to the treat counter no matter what my urgency is, so with that said she rules!  I would not be able to write unless her belly is full.

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

Again, since I write at night it really doesn’t  interfere with my family life or my work schedule.  When I write, the television is on softly as background noise and my fingers are flying on the keyboard. 

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

Of course there are amazing blogs out there that are fun to send out messages to fellow writers and readers. There is the infamous Facebook that is great for creating events for my books. I can recall stalking my own event daily just to see how many people were going to come and get a signed copy of my book.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

I have just hired an amazing book publicist (Maryglenn McCombs) and she is doing a remarkable job sending out press releases and promoting my book, Irish Jewel.

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

I would love to share with the world that my press releases went out today on St. Patrick’s Day and I am extremely excited to see the results.

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

I love being creative all the times.   I suppose you can say that I wear many creative hats, and writing is my greatest love. I cannot imagine not writing on a daily basis and wish I had more time to do so..

Straight from the Mouth of Tj O’Connor, Author of 'Dying to Tell'

Tj O’Connor is the 2015 Gold Medal Winner of the Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) for mysteries and the author of Dying To Know, Dying For The Past, and Dying To Tell. Tj is an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. With his former life as a government agent and years as a consultant, he has lived and worked around the world in places like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Americas—among others. He was raised in New York's Hudson Valley and lives with his wife and Labrador companions in Virginia where they raised five children. Dying to Know is also a 2015 Bronze Medal winner for the 2015 Reader’s Favorite Book Review Awards, a Finalist for both the 2015 Silver Falchion Award and the Foreword Review’s 2014 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award.

Found out about his latest book, Dying to Tell on Amazon. 

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

I’ve wanted to write since I was in the fifth grade. I fell in love with reading as an escape from a tough childhood and with that knew I wanted to write books and create stories. By the time I was in the seventh grade, I was penning short stories, plays, was the editor for my school newspaper, and was consumed by writing. I couldn’t afford college, so I went into the military for my college education and ended up working in counterintelligence and anti-terrorism— great adventures for my novels! I continued writing for years but didn’t get serious about publishing until about ten or so years ago. Then the real work started—learning the craft more, learning how to find an agent and publisher … the works.  

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

It is certainly not what most people think it is. So many people think we  (authors) are making tons of money, are celebrities, travel, get waited on by our publishers who swoon to our commands. All that is so far from what most of us experience it’s amazing. My publisher does little for me in the way of marketing and promotion and nothing for expenses. I pay my own way to signings, lectures, events, everything. It’s really not a team sport. For me though, the perks are that I’m doing what I want to do, and there is a growing fan base that like my work. I’m not talking about family and friends, I’m talking about folks to follow me at events or seek me out now and then (it isn’t a lot, mind you,

but each book gets a few more). The perks are the fans and the teeny tiny bit of publicity it all brings. It’s a thrill when someone approaches me at an event, or better yet a grocery store or airport, and recognizes me and my work. It’s still a rare event, but it’s an amazing feeling for someone to actually do it and want to talk books. I can’t think of a perk other than my own dreams coming true. Not much money. Tons of work. Everything on my dime. But I love every minute of it. 

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

Traditional publishing. But, now with my first book contract over, my agent and I are examining indie press options for other work. My agent took care of the heavy lifting on finding the publisher. I’m thrilled that Midnight Ink signed me for three books. But, as thrilling as it was, I found it difficult, too. For instance, I do not like my series book covers—they are too cartoonish and “R.L. Stine-ish.” My publisher believes they’re the right choice. Me, and many fans and reviewers, disagree. And I struggle with the way my publisher handled the back cover copy and Amazon book descriptions, too. But, they’re the pros and I’m the author. I would like more control and more say in the details, but that’s what you give up to them. I’m still thrilled with my publisher’s editor, though…Terri B is the best. If not for her, I would have been worse off for sure. As I go forward, and as the indie press market becomes more and more viable, my agent and I will explore it. But, my books will always be offered to the traditional presses first, and should none take them on, they’ll then go indie or self-pub. My rule of thumb is “If Kimberley (my agent) likes the book enough to represent it, it’ll find a home on the market somehow.” Be that traditional, indie, or self-pub.

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

Hah! I have a wife, five kids, four kid-spouses, and five grandkids. Of those, one of my daughters is the only one involved in my books or even reads them. She is one of my beta readers on new drafts and even helps with Facebook and thinking on PR and events. She’ll come to an event now and then to help with a booth if I have one. Besides her, my brother in law is a graphic artist and he helps design ads and posters for me. He’s amazing. But, not much on reading my stuff. I’m fine with all that. Oh, everyone is thrilled I’m an author, but they’re not so much into reading the books. My Labs constantly complain about time away from ball-playing and roughhousing. My wife hates that every waking moment is either working or writing or travelling for my books. But in the end, dreams cost. I love being an author and even if it takes every moment of my time (other than making a living of course), I love it still.

This is for pet lovers.  If you don’t own a pet, skip this question, but do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

No, as much as I love writing in all my free time, my Labs have priority when needed. They force me to take breaks when I’m writing and we play ball or get a snack or whatever. They are constant companions under my desk or in my leather chair watching. In fact, they are a great motivator to take breaks and get up and move around or I’d spend 12 -14 hours each day of the weekend sitting and writing without a break. They don’t take a backseat very often!

This is for plant lovers.  If you don’t own a plant, skip this question, but if you do, are they actually still alive?

Nope, sorry. 

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

Wow, tough one. I’m a consultant and I make my living by being available and on call with clients. I’m also fortunate to work from home 3-4 days a week and my wife commutes 30 minutes in and out of work at very early and late hours. So I do most of the weekday cooking and dog-care and house responsibilities. And, I work from about 8am to 5 and take calls before and after all the time. I’m able to multi-task around it. I can shift my schedule and timing around life in general. So I’ll write early morning, then shift into my career work. Often, I’ll edit or write during lunch. After normal working hours it’s make dinner, deal with dogs, and most often, back to work. Weekends are 100% writing (except for house chores). I figure I’m going about 95-100 plus hours a day and love every moment of it.

What was the craziest or insane thing that happened to you in the book publishing process?

Oh, there have been many. My publisher sent the wrong draft of an ARC (advanced reader copy) of a book to the reviewers prior to publication. It had too many mistakes and even plot changes missing. And we had a back and forth over drafts because the copy editor kept using the wrong draft to edit and we went around about that. These things happen, of course. But they drive you nuts because you’re only worried about your book and they’re worried about dozens at a time. Patience, understanding, and bourbon help a lot. 

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

I hate social networking to be honest. But, I do it. I blog on two blogs a month, Facebook about events and things happening with a book, I just started Twitter and am struggling to find time and energy to say things worth saying, and on and on. I come from a profession where you don’t advertise yourself and spend little time doing social media. But my agent, and my publicist demand me do it. I find it odd—I truly don’t think anyone cares what I have to say outside of my novels, so why be yapping all the time on Tweets, Facebook, and blogs? I do it, and try to have meaningful and fun entries, but it’s a struggle for me.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

Good question. Sales are slow, slower, and slowest. I’m struggling to find an audience for a lot of reasons. First, I’m a new author writing in a small slice of the cozy mystery market (mystery with a paranormal twist), and my books could be presented better with better covers, better book copy, etc. But it’s the same for many authors I’m finding out. I’m spending a fortune of my own money on editing/proofing, marketing and advertising and traveling to make appearances and get my name out. So it’ll be a very long time before I even break even. But you know, I’m okay with that. I have the fortune of not having to make any money on books right now. I will spend the next years trying to build a brand and an audience with the hope that one day, perhaps down the road a-ways, I’ll begin to see some real returns. That’s the plan. And if it never happens and all I do is get my books on the shelf and make a few pennies, well, I will deal with that.

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

I don’t really have anything other than “Read me! Let me come guest speak!” I have no real complaints—heck, I’m too new to this world to complain. And why complain outside my own office—I asked for this. I love it!

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

I love writing. I’ve had an adventurous life and have met some of the most amazing people. When I write my books, I get to relive some of those adventures and rekindle old friendships. It’s like dreaming great dreams while I’m awake and at the keyboard. I write for me as much as others. More so, really. And you know—people like my work and many can’t wait for the next one. How cool is that?

I love having a beta group of great friends to read my novels. I take them to a nice dinner and we drink good wine and talk about my books all night. I love that I have an amazing agent—Kimberley Cameron—who is always in my corner. And wow, I also have a great publicist—Maryglenn McCombs—who has been so helpful I couldn’t be doing much of the PR I’m doing without her. Kimberley and Maryglenn are truly the best—I couldn’t do half of what I’m doing without them. I’m thrilled that Midnight Ink gave me the three book contract, and while I’ve groused about things I didn’t like with them, I am so very grateful and call them friends. I’ve got three books out, my agent has another going to market, and I’m writing two more. I’m heading to events to sell books, sign books, be a guest lecturer and key note speaker, do appearances at schools to talk to young people about books and writing, and even a few special appearances because it’s just me. Wow, I’m still VERY unknown and yet I get to travel around on weekends and talk about books and writing and people really love it. Even if I never made much money, how could I NOT love this?