Beth Barany on Self–pubbed and Other Writing Formats

This week we’re going to find out a little about author Beth Barany. February’s theme is ‘Self–pubbed, traditional, and other writing formats’ so Beth will be talking about her experiences with these formats. She’ll also tell us a little about herself and her writing, and answer some fun questions.

Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy and fantasy romance. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance and adventure to empower women and girls to jump into life with both feet and be the heroes in their own lives.

In her off hours, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with their cat named Leo, a piano, and over 1,000 books.

When not writing or playing, Beth runs her own company helping novelists as a book midwife, coach, and teacher to help them write, market, and publish their books. Thank you, Beverley, for this opportunity to post on your blog! What fun!

Beverley: Are you self–pubbed, traditional or both?
Beth: Self-pubbed with two unusual traditional contracts, one with an app publisher, Tapas Media, and another with an international subscription service distributor, Palatium.
Beverley: What made you chose that path?  And tell us how it worked for you.
Beth: I realized that I could pitch my novel for another few years and possibly get nowhere, or start self-publishing and get into the game. As a self-pubbed author, I can seek out interesting opportunities on my own, and I have, and continue to do so.
I’ve self-published my fiction since 2011 and it’s been a great growth experience in learning to produce and market my fiction. I love to learning by doing.
I don’t think I’m the smartest cookie in the jar. I haven’t had some of the success other self-pubbed authors have had, but my books are well-reviewed and I do sell.
Beverley: Have you written in any other writing formats? (non-fiction, journalism, flash fiction, poetry). If yes, can you share why you tried them and how it worked for you?                                                                               And how has it affected how you write today?
Beth: I’ve written lots of non-fiction articles and published non-fiction three books – motivational and how-to books for writers. I started in journalism 20+ years ago, before I knew how to write fiction. I’ve also been writing blog posts for the about 10 years.
Learning how to write nonfiction had taught me how to get over writer’s block, generate lots of ideas, and gain practice with editing and revising.
Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like to share about differences in self-publishing and traditional publishing for today’s writer?
Beth: Most writers know the differences. So, I’d like to warn new authors that if a company calls themselves a publisher, yet asks you to pay them, run fast in the other direction. If you’re paying for a service to help publish your book, you’re in charge. Get what you want and don’t let your service provider decide for you. Self-publishing means you are the publisher. Anyone calling themselves a publisher should pay you not the other way around.
Beverley: How long have you been writing?
Beth: I’ve been writing nonfiction for 26 years and writing fiction seriously for 16 years.
Beverley: What genre do you write in and why?
Beth: I write in several genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Science Fiction Romance.
I love YA Fantasy for the high adventure and epic sweep. I love writing romance with magical and science fiction elements because I love creating stories about strong women who jump into life with both feet and find love along the way.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Beth: I was deeply influenced by Helen Keller, who died the year I was born. I was impressed with her ability to communicate and speak her heart. I always wanted to be a writer and her persistence and stamina inspired me to get going.
Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work?
Beth: I had to learn how to write fiction! A tall order! One of the things I realized is that I just needed to start, and also that I needed a roadmap. To design that roadmap, I had to overcome my fear of the unknown and the fear of the voices of my characters overtaking me somehow. Lastly, I had to overcome being indecisive and learn to take action despite the fear.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Beth: Music is probably the primary way I step into my creativity on a regular basis. I’m also inspired by film and TV, reading, and traveling to new places near and far.
Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Beth: Getting critiques too early in the writing process.
Beverley: What do you have for breakfast?
Beth: Eggs and kale, and coffee. Or a hard-boiled egg and coffee.
Beverley: What do you wear when you are writing?
Beth: Jeans, t-shirt, long running shirt, and a grey hoodie.
Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?
Beth: Local cafes and diners.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Beth: Perhaps Garfield. I love his indulgence and love of a good meal.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?
Beth: I’d love to have a conversation with President Barack Obama. I’d love to hear his take on the state of the world and where he thinks things are evolving for humanity.
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Beth: Probably write! LOL Or I’d love to take a tour of the Tesla factory or go to NASA Ames.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Beth: I’m working on writing the third book in my space station mystery romance series, a series I plan to launch later this year, and editing the sixth paranormal romance in my Touchstone series, to be published soon.

Blurb for A LABYRINTH OF LOVE AND ROSES

What if what you wanted got in the way of your destiny?

French MBA grad Lili Grenault needs to succeed at her last pitch meeting to fund her international green tech business. But her grandmother tells her to drop everything, find her one true love, and embrace her magical legacy by Beltane, in one week, or chaos and failure in her life will ensue.

San Francisco investor Brett Barnaby wants to find his great-grandfather’s gravesite in Amiens, France, one of the primary battle sites of World War I. Family legend says that purpose, greater mission, and perhaps even untold riches, will be unlocked when he finds that grave. But his search in Amiens brings up fear, anger, and dire warnings about some wild Green Man. He turns to local Lily Grenault for help.

Can these two independent freethinkers work together to prevent chaos from triumphing and find love in time in the labyrinth of roses?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/lablovrose
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-labyrinth-of-love-and-roses-beth-barany/1123747020?ean=2940158211188
iBooks: http://apple.co/1QIEFBC
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1YYYkDB
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603020

You can find Beth at:
http://author.bethbarany.com/.
Or connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bethbarany, Twitter http://www.twitter.com/beth_barany, and
Instagram http://instagram.com/bethbarany.

Don’t forget to check back Thursday for another author interview.

Welcome to the FB Giveaway Contest!

Welcome to the FB Giveaway Contest!

The goal of this giveaway and contest is to get everyone to interact with one another, and in doing so, hopefully we'll come across some great books and authors in the process. 

Our prizes are: 

1 - Black and White Diamond Heart Necklace from Kay Jewelers
2 - $50 (winners choice) Gift Card
3 - $25 Visa or Mastercard Gift Card
4 - Nicolas Sparks Movie Night (2 DVDs, Popcorn and Candy)
5 - Ghost Movie Night (1 DVD, Popcorn and Candy) 

To become eligible to win any of these prizes you must enter by using the Rafflecopter link below, which does state that you have to leave a comment on the author's page. Now what that comment is, is entirely up to you. It could be "Sally sells seashells by the seashore" or something more personal like, "I loved your book ________". But you must leave a comment. That is the only way you'll gain an entry.
Earn bonus entries by commenting on the "pinned FB posts" you'll find with the above giveaway image on each of their pages. ALL entries will be confirmed, so please show these authors lots and lots of love!!! 

Direct Rafflecopter Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/080aaeb419/?

Self-pubbed, Traditional or Other

This week we’re going to find out a little about author Mary Marvella. February’s theme is ‘Self–pubbed/traditional/ other writing formats’ so Mary will be talking about that and her new webinar. She’ll also tell us a little about herself and her writing, and answer some fun questions.

Mary has been a storyteller for as long as she can remember.  The stories she made up for the other children and the details she made up for their “play like” or “let’s pretend” games sometimes were so real they scared her. Mary taught language arts for 15 years, perfect for her BA in English. Her M.Ed in Counseling served her well during her years as a school counselor and as a teacher later. Now she tutors, teaches writers, and edits. Her inner English teacher loves the editing part. Her daughter doesn’t read her books (something about TMI.)

Editing for other authors allows her to contribute to preparing great stories for publication. Keeping an author’s voice, rhythm, and style intact is important to Mary. Writers shouldn’t be able to tell where her suggestions begin, because she uses their words.

Beverley: Are you self–pubbed, traditional or both?
Mary: I am both
Beverley: What made you chose that path? And tell us how it worked for you.
Mary: I got good rejections and had a publisher suggest self-pubbing one of my books she loved but couldn’t buy. I signed on as editor for a publishing company and contracted 2 books with a different publisher. I really need time to promote, but I love to edit!
Beverley: Have you written in any other writing formats? (non-fiction, journalism, flash fiction, poetry). If yes, can you share why you tried them and how it worked for you? And how has it affected how you write today?            
Mary: None of the above since college. I intended to write the children’s stories I made up for my daughter and then fictionalize the stories my grandmamma told me when I was young.
Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like to share about differences in self-publishing and traditional publishing for today’s writer?
Mary: I have freedom to write the stories I want to write the way I want to write them as a Indie. I also have the responsibility.
Beverley: How long have you been writing?                 
Mary: Since 1991 for fun.
Beverley: What genre do you write in and why?                 
Mary: Romantic suspense, woman’s fiction, paranormal, erotica and a sweet romance   I write the stories my characters demand I write and that I need at the time a story begins to build in my head.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Mary: My characters. I told stories from the moment I could create them in my imagination as a child.  My grandmamma was a story teller. I loved the classics, the REAL classics.
Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work? Mary: I left teaching language arts which left me no time to write. Grading papers, raising a child, helping the EX photograph weddings on weekends, and taking night classes left me no time to write. Once I left teaching I managed start writing, I had to go to the Ex’s photo studio to use the studio computer and work at night when the computer wasn’t in use.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Mary:  Often a character will bug me to write his or her story. At some point that person’s story grabs my attention. 
Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Mary: Having too many demands on my time.  Paying bills by editing and tutoring is more important at times.
Beverley: What do you have for breakfast?
Mary: Usually when I tutor I drink chocolate coconut milk and grab cheese slices oan my way out the door. If I don’t tutor I heat leftovers from meals.
Beverley: What do you wear when you are writing?
Mary: PJs or sweatpants and Tee-shirts or sweatshirts.
Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?
Mary: I have a rocking chair I gave Mama before she passed away. It has an ottoman that rocks. I brought it home and I use it. I work in a living room/den.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?  
Mary: Mighty Mouse was mine as a kid. I loved the idea! I have always been the shortest person in groups.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why? 
Mary: Adrian Paul! (Highlander the Series.) If you have to ask, you haven’t seen the series or him!
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it? 

Mary: I’d work on the older books I need to publish.  I should clean house.

Beverley: What are you working on now?          
Mary: I am reformatting one of my unpublished novels, editing a novella for a cowboy series, and making slides for a webinar on editing for self-publishing. I have a date set up. (grin) My authors and freelance clients say I work magic with my editing. Each has claimed I taught her more in hours than all of her teachers put together. I decided to try to teach about editing.

 

Blurb for Cheerleader Dad

A sweet contemporary romance reminiscent of the Parent Trap movies. Single parents raising eleven-year-old daughters must try to resist the ploys their children use to push them together as well as the growing attraction that sparks between them. 

Lily has been getting along fine without a husband and she doesn’t need one now. Jesse has raised her daughter without her mama since her birth. The wannabee cheerleaders want their parents to get together and do their best to engineer the match. Jesse and Lily try to resist the attractions they feel.

This story will make you laugh out loud and smile a lot.  

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Cheerleader-Dad-Mary-Marvella-ebook/dp/B013OND3I0/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1485833138&sr=1-13

You can find Mary at:

https://goodreads.com/author/show/4909455.Mary_Marvella
https://www.facebook.com/ARomanceCaper
www.MaryMarvella.com
https://www.facebook.com/mmbarfield
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Marvella- Author/121044561311561
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com
Twitter @mmarvellab
http://www.GildedDragonflyBooks.com
http://amzn.to/22t6vOC-Marvella/e/B008E1SJ32/
Https://www.facebook.com/MaryMarvellaEdits

And check out her Webinar

Sparkle and Spit Polish, Self-editing Magic

Hosted by Mary Marvella Edits

02/07/2017 07:00 PM

Registration page link:

https://marymarvella.webinarninja.co/my/wnwebinarlist/index?webinar_id=54331

Don’t forget to check back next week for another author interview?

Self-pubbed and Small Press

It’s the end of the month and tomorrow we change our theme from 'Genres' to 'Self–pubbed/traditional and other writing formats'.

I thought I’d kick off the subject so, a day early, I’m writing on my experiences. Many years ago when small presses started to show up I met with an editor at RWA. It wasn’t in the regular sessions RWA has. The company had a small hotel room and met with people in a separate room. I had been rejected by traditional pubs, so I pitched to Starlight. They liked the story and several more. I became one of their authors and never had any regrets. I learned the editing and revision process; how covers were designed and how much input the author had and the actual publishing process. One editor moved to another small press and I followed her there and learned a little more. It was a great experience.

I also co-authored a horror-romance. He wanted to use a different small press, so we went t with that one.

They were all good to work with, and are still around, maybe under a different name. They only drawback, and I believe it’s the same with traditional publishers these days unless you’re one of the well-known authors, was you had to do your own marketing, and you received a small percentage, in royalties. After several books, and hearing from other authors about self-publishing I decided to try that route. I’ll talk more about that next week.

Please share your experiences with any writing format. I know other people would love to hear about them. And check back Thursday for an exciting post on other writing formats.

On Genres with Kelli A. Wilkins

This week we’re going to find out a little about author Kelli A. Wilkins. January’s theme is ‘Genres’ so Kelli will be talking about genres. She’ll also tell us a little about herself and her writing, and answer some fun questions.
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

Loving a Wild Stranger was released in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.

Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.

In 2016 Kelli began re-releasing her romances previously published by Amber Quill Press. Visit her website and blog for a full title list, book summaries, and other information.

Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative non-fiction guide based on her years of experience as a writer. It’s filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

If you like to be scared, check out Kelli’s horror ebooks: Dead Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse.

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write?
Kelli: I write romances in nearly every genre (historical, fantasy, contemporary, paranormal, and gay) at all heat levels. Some of my romances are mild (Loving a Wild Stranger) and others are super-sizzling hot (Killer in Wolf’s Clothing). I feel drawn to historicals, but I’m not “married” to the genre. If I’m inspired to write a character’s story, I go where and when the idea takes me. That could be in any time period, in any setting, and in any genre.
Although I’ve written several historicals, they all have different settings. For example, Loving a Wild Stranger takes place in the wilds of the Michigan Territory in the early 1820s; Lies, Love & Redemption is a western set in 1877 Nebraska; Dangerous Indenture takes place in Pennsylvania Colony, and The Viking’s Witch is set in 804 in Scotland. Setting books in the different locations and time periods lets me explore plot ideas and create unique characters for those settings.

Beverley: What prompted you to write in the genre/s you do?
Kelli: I like reading about history, watching historical movies, and visiting historical places, so all that plays a part in my interest in writing historical romances. I enjoy researching what life was like hundreds of years ago and learning about how people lived, what they ate, and how they survived in different time periods. I incorporate this information into my stories and use details to flesh out the characters and settings.
Beverley: What genres do you enjoy reading?
Kelli: I like to read everything in all genres: thrillers, mysteries, horror, suspense, non-fiction, and romance. When I read romance, I don’t just stick to historicals, I read paranormals, contemporaries, or whatever sounds interesting.
Beverley: How long have you been writing?
Kelli: I started writing professionally about fifteen years ago. At first, I wrote short romances and horror fiction. From there, I progressed to full-length romances. I still write horror stories, and I’ve been published in several horror anthologies.
Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?
Kelli: I’ve always been interested in writing and was an avid reader from a young age. So in a sense, all the books I’ve ever read have influenced me in some way. When I was growing up, I watched Twilight Zone reruns and got a taste for great storytelling. Later, I read a lot of Stephen King, and again, learned about the craft of telling an interesting story, adding details, and developing characters. I also took writing classes that taught me the basics. From there, I was encouraged to submit my stories.
Beverley: What obstacles did you have to overcome to begin creating your work?
Kelli: I don’t have many obstacles when it comes to outlining, writing, or revising a book, but finding enough time to do all that can be challenging. Writing a book is a time-consuming process. Authors need to set aside time every day (even if it’s just an hour) to work on a writing project, and sometimes finding the time to write (while still having a non-writing life) can be hard.
Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?
Kelli: A great idea will always inspire me to grab a pen and paper and start writing! Sometimes I’ll see or hear something that sparks an idea and that will give me the basis for an entire book. Of course, once I’m writing a book, the characters and the story keep my creative juices flowing. Even though I plot out my books and have a good idea of what’s going to happen next, every once in a while my characters will surprise me and take things in a different direction.
Beverley: What will stop your creative muse the quickest?
Kelli: Getting interrupted! When I’m in the writing zone and I get interrupted (by the phone or whatever), it’s sometimes hard to get back into the story.
Beverley: What do you have for breakfast?
Kelli: Coffee is a must, and then usually cereal, oatmeal, or eggs.
Beverley: What do you wear when you are writing?
Kelli: I like to be comfortable when I’m writing, so I’m usually in sweatpants and a t-shirt.
Beverley: Where do you do most of your writing?
Kelli: That depends on the season. If it’s warm, I like to sit in my yard and write. During the winter months, or when it rains, I usually write in a chair in the living room. I actually write my books using pen and paper, so I can break out a notepad and start writing anywhere. When I’m editing or revising, I’m in my home office.
Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?
Kelli: Believe it or not, I watch a lot of cartoons. I find that their simplicity relaxes me and makes me laugh after a long day at work. My favorite is Felix the Cat. Felix is a favorite because I love cats (especially black cats) and he was a wiseass troublemaker who always found a clever way out of his jams.
Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?
Kelli: I think it would be interesting to sit down with authors that I read (Stephen King, John Sandford, Preston & Child) and talk about their books, characters, and their writing processes. I’d also like to meet several musicians and enjoy free concerts!
Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?
Kelli: I’d probably spend most of it working on a book! Then I’d go for a walk or do something fun with my husband or friends.
Beverley: What are you working on now?
Kelli: Last year I started re-releasing my romances previously published with Amber Quill Press. I’m re-reading, editing, and revising each book as I go, and most of them have gotten great new covers. I’m continuing that in 2017. Right now, I’m editing three books: Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights. They make up a super-hot historical/fantasy trilogy. All three books should be available in February. In addition to that, I’m working on a new (as yet untitled) historical romance. I’ll be pretty busy in 2017!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with readers. I welcome questions, comments, and feedback about my books. Readers can contact me via my social media pages or by the email address on the news page of my website.

Blurb for Loving A Wild Stranger

 A woman running from her past… straight into the arms of an untamed man

In a moment of desperation, Kathleen Stanton flees her pampered life in Kingston, New York and ends up stranded in a small town in the Michigan Territory. Out of money and forced to rely on her instincts, she impersonates a handsome stranger’s mail-order bride.

Committed to her deception, Kathleen calls herself Michelle and starts her new life with Luther in an isolated cabin in the wilderness. Luther can’t believe his luck when his beautiful bride arrives, but something doesn’t feel right about his new wife. Michelle has terrifying nightmares involving a man named Roger and is reluctant to talk about where she came from.

Luther’s friend, Redfeather visits and tries to convince Luther to send Michelle back east. Distrusting Michelle, he warns Luther that his bride is not what she seems. But Luther is in love with Michelle, and he is harboring a secret of his own—one that might force Michelle to reject him when she learns the truth.

Michelle falls in love with Luther and adapts to her new way of life. Together, they face off against brutal townspeople and overcome harsh living conditions. When they finally give in to their desires and agree to become a proper man and wife, a dark figure from Michelle’s past resurfaces and threatens to destroy everything.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6M551H
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1190943526
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-a-wild-stranger-kelli-a-wilkins/1125413251?ean=2940154172131
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/loving-a-wild-stranger
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/335361512/Loving-a-Wild-Stranger
Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/51d0c248-fe8d-4a14-b1db-b524786870f4
24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1854921

You can find Kelli at:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins
Website: www.KelliWilkins.com
Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Don’t forget to check back next week for another author interview. This time a   discussion on Self–pubbed/traditional/ other writing formats, and why?