Interview with Marva Dale

Published 2013-12-17.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes! I was in second grade and I started a notebook of little stories with drawings. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Daley, knew I would grow up to be a writer!
What is your writing process?
I sit down at my computer and write what comes to me. Usually I have a rough outline in my head and I just go from there. The story mostly writes itself.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I used to love to read the Angelique novels, a French romance series. I loved Angelique's trials and tribulations, as well as all of her romances. At fourteen, I found them fascinating if not provocative!
How do you approach cover design?
I start with a basic graphic art design and then add effects, graphics, wording, etc. until I get the image I want.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love mysteries, especially those written by women authors.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I use a Kindle.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I try to reach out to my contacts through various sites, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. I'm a firm believer in word of mouth and if I can get readers talking about my books it really helps to spread the word.
Describe your desk
It's mostly all computer, plus a dictionary (a must), a thesarus, and my own thoughts written down on pieces of paper.
What's the story behind your latest book?
It's a Christmas tale with a sexy, funny twist involving competitive advertising executives, Sandra and Jerry.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Smashwords makes it so easy to publish my work, and I don't have to go through the query process and all that other stuff before someone thinks my work is worthy of publishing.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
This is a fantastic site and helps new and existing authors get their work out to the readers without all the red tape.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I just love to write! Words, settings, characters -- all in my thoughts -- compell me to formulate a story and write it all down.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love my readers and I hope they enjoy my work. I'm not trying to send a message or anything like that. I think reading should be enjoyable and a relaxing experience.
What are you working on next?
A mystery based in the future with a woman detective.
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Books by This Author

Dead on Course
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 67,820. Language: English. Published: March 13, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense, Fiction » Erotica » Action/Adventure
For Boyd Savitt life is great in the love department. Women are attracted to his good looks and musical talents, but his interest remains on Laurel, his songstress partner. When Laurel goes off to California, Boyd feels the pain of her loss and so embarks on a cross-country journey to join her. Along the way, he meets Stormy, a sultry vixen who takes him down the dark path of crime.
Blood of the Gods
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 94,480. Language: English. Published: September 18, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Dr. Suzan Dwyer specializes in blood disorder research but she’s not prepared to deal with a new patient named Charles Lambert who says he’s aging by the minute and needs blood to survive. When he disappears suddenly, Suzan tracks him down and meets his wife, Ellen Lambert, a beautiful, alluring woman who harbors a deep, disturbing secret.
Stratus Fear
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 75,610. Language: English. Published: June 3, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
In the 22nd Century, LA Detective Cadye Parrish has been called in to help in the murder case of Gavin McAllister who worked for the Senesco Institute. As she digs deeper, she finds a terrible plot involving an age-inducing drug and the unwitting victims of the conspiracy.