Interview with Metamorph Publishing
Published 2014-11-24.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I like to spend time with my family. This includes three dogs and my horse, Athena.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Most of the e books I read come from authors I'm already reading in paper print. Especially after I moved to a very small town with little options for buying paper books.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I don't remember the very first story I wrote, but my only (currently) published novel is the first I seriously worked on. I've always wanted to see it published!
What is your writing process?
Depends on what I'm writing. Sometimes I get so ahead of myself that I scribble notes on scraps of paper. That way, when I get to the scene where I need my notes, I have to dig through them (usually a pile by this point) to find the idea I had jotted down.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don't remember the first story I ever read. I was taught to read at a very young age, like around 2-3 if what I was told is correct.
How do you approach cover design?
For my first cover, I had a small picture a friend had bought me at a flea market. There was no signature and no copyright anywhere on it, so I took a picture of it, cropped it to a nice size, and learned how to add text to it.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Black Stallion series, the first series of books I had as a kid. I still read them. The Harry Potter books, the Twilight books, because I can talk to my kids about them. Patricia Cornwall's books, and any of the In Death series by J.D. Robb.
What do you read for pleasure?
Many romance, crime, mystery. Even science fiction like Star Trek books.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Mine is the Nook by far. I had the Kindle app on one of my phones, but didn't like it as well as the Nook.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I spread the word at work, among relatives, and on facebook, but I've really done little in the way of marketing. It's a bit out of my realm.
Describe your desk
I don't have a desk! I write either at the computer table or in my recliner, or sitting up in bed.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Flushing, MI, and had a creative writing class in high school. I just never stopped writing after the class was over with!
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I made an attempt to publish traditionally, even signed a contract with a literary agent. After paying him for a year and not seeing any results, I was pretty disappointed. But when I first got an ereader app on my phone, I found quite a few books published by smashwords. My intent was more to share my story than to make money, so I thought I'd give it a try!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords published my first book. Even though I'm looking to now publish it print as well, Smashwords gave me the confidence to keep on trying, and to keep writing more!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Sharing a good story with others has always been my greatest joy.
What are you working on next?
Right now I'm working on a crime novel titled Triple Heist, involving robbing a lot of money from a Federal Reserve Bank. And of course, there's a love triangle!
Who are your favorite authors?
J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts, Fern Micheals, Kay Hooper.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
In 2013, I was diagnosed with leukemia (AML). It was a very scary time for me and my family. I beat it, though I spent nearly a year in bed because of it. Even though I don't go to work every day, I remember when I wasn't ABLE to get out of bed.
When did you first start writing?
I remember having written short stories and poems even back to grade school, but I was in high school when I started writing Once Upon a Western Way.
What do your fans mean to you?
Without fans, I wouldn't have much reason to write. Stories are meant to be enjoyed!
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
