Interview with Connie Johnson Hambley
Published 2015-09-25.
What do you read for pleasure?
I always have my nose in a book. I don't think you can be a good writer unless you are an avid reader. I gravitate toward suspense and thrillers, but am happy to be immersed in memoirs, mysteries, women's fiction, true crime, and business management (!).
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I write a blog on Author to Reader (A2R) marketing. You've heard of B2B (Business to Business) or B2C (Business to Consumer) marketing, so A2R breaks the business process down into digestible steps for authors. I'm a firm believer in affinity marketing - finding other ways to bring your reader to your book aside from yelling "READ MY BOOK!" Geez! That gets tiring. The most effective tool for marketing? Being relentless with a light touch.
Check out http://thecharitythriller.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Describe your desk
I have a desk? Oh yeah. It's here, under all these papers that my keyboard sits on. Thanks for reminding me.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on a dairy farm that was burned down by an arsonist. True story.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2015/03/10/pawling-barn-fire-anniversary/24716431/
When did you first start writing?
My boot camp for writing happened in law school. You think fellow writers are harsh critics? You should try fledgling lawyers. Ugh.
What's the story behind your latest book?
On June 15, 1996, a red and white box truck parked in front of the Marks & Spencer store in the Arndale shopping district of Manchester, England. Phone calls made to news organizations and police ensured no bystanders remained in the area when the truck exploded at 11:17 a.m. The Irish Republican Army claimed responsibility. Nearly twenty years later, the crime remains unsolved. "The Troubles" is my version of why.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Going indie is a business decision. A small press wanted to publish my first book, "The Charity." After I looked at terms and what they wanted in return, the numbers were not worth it. I'm a marketing and business development person with experience in starting companies. Launching a book is no different. After a maximum of six months, most small presses devote their efforts to other books but I knew I would still be pushing. Why give the lion's share of the money away when I'm doing the lion's share of the work?
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
There are a lot of joys. Creativity. Freedom. Empowerment. 'Nuff said.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything.
What are you working on next?
The third book in the Jessica Trilogy (with a working title of "The Wake") brings her back to the US and into the hornet's nest. Geez! That reminds me, I have to stop chatting with you and get back to work!
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