Interview with Misti Blake

Published 2014-03-01.
How do you approach cover design?
This was the first time that I even attempted to design my own cover. It was all new to me and somewhat difficult. My first novel was published traditionally so I didn't have to worry about this at all. I'm glad that I got to experience it, though. I can't wait for next time.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Book Thief, Eragon (and its sequels), The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Gemini Man.
All of these are full of adventure and the plots of each are simply amazing. I lose myself in them every time that I read them. The best part? They are amazing enough to reread time and time again.
What do you read for pleasure?
Anything fictional, but if it doesn't catch my attention in chapter one, I won't read any further.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I don't own anything other than an Iphone so I'm not able to answer this question.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
The best technique that has helped me with selling my novels has been newspaper articles and word of mouth. I have a Twitter and Facebook page set up to help market them, but nothing is better than having your local paper write an article for you and people that have read it spreading the word about it.
Describe your desk
Cluttered. Papers, baskets, pens, my computer and printer are shoved onto it anywhere I can get it to fit.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up all over North Carolina and Illinois. I was born in Concord, NC. The places that I grew up aren't the things that influenced my writing. My friends that I met along the way are what influenced me.
When did you first start writing?
I can't remember when I started writing stories. My mom has one that I did way back in elementary school. I bound it myself with twine. My first novel that I published, though, was started in high school in tenth grade when I was 14 or 15.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest novel is a spy novel. More accurately, it's the sequel to my first novel, A Dangerous Life. I started them in high school because of a friend of mine was writing a very interesting book herself. I happened to dream about my spy novels and that's what got me started.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I was very unhappy with my experience being published through a traditional publisher. They weren't much help in spreading the word or pointing me in the right direction. I didn't even like the fact that their editor really didn't edit my novel. I decided that if this is what I had to look forward to, I was better off publishing it myself.
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Books by This Author

The End of Dreams
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 30,840. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action
Follow Alyse and Alex, now fugitives and traitors, as they fight to start a normal life together in the midst of a feud between their two former organizations. Can they succeed? Or will they succumb to the danger that looms forever on the horizon?