#Indie Spotlight of Sherrie Lowe @SherrieLowe2 Author of Angel Breaths

Name: 

Sherrie Lowe

The Title of Your Work or Group: 

Angel Breaths

Where are you from?

Stoke-on-Trent UK

In what genre do you write?

Contemporary women's fiction

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it? 

Angel Breaths was inspired by a news item on abortion laws which asked the question, at what point does a baby have a soul? It set me thinking. If a baby had a soul in the first weeks of gestation, how would it feel if it were aborted or miscarried? The story is told in the voice of the lost foetus as it watches over the family that it can never be an earthly part of. In due course it watches over its soulmate and its earthly sibling, who are both aware of its presence. As none of us know what it is like in the realm of the angels this is my interpretation; I gave my thoughts free rein. I have also written a short story on the same theme which I've sent to a women's magazine in the hope that it will also attract attention to Angel Breaths.

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens. 

I have a basic outline and usually some idea of the ending but I find that the story evolves as I write so I might veer away from my initial intentions. I write with pen and paper first and only put it onto the computer, a chapter at a time, when I'm happy with it. I can't think on the computer!

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!" ? 

All the time!

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I have read books that have supposedly been professionally edited and I've still seen mistakes. I figure if I'm paying someone who is going to miss the odd typo here and there I can do as good a job myself. I edit a chapter at a time as I work then go through the whole thing meticulously when it is finished.

My covers are water colour paintings done for me by an artist friend. The text is added on the publisher's website as part of the publication process.

Who is your favorite author. Not just someone that you read allot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy. 

I have always admired Jilly Cooper's writing style but I could never match her! I was also moved by Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes, it influenced the writing of my memoir Shadow Across the Sun 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Across-the-Sun-ebook/dp/B007V42ON4/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369129981&sr=1-3&keywords=sherrie+lowe

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I struggle with symbolism and coming up with an original and visual metaphor/similie. When I do think of one I'm really proud of it!

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you? 

A bit of both.

Do you ever write yourself into the characters? 

I sometimes use characteristics of myself and friends/family and I often use amusing anecdotes if I feel they will enhance the story.

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak.

I don't have a day job. I'm retired due to ill health but it is my aim to earn a living as a writer.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be? 

William Shakespeare. He used such beautiful imagery, as in Sonnett 18:

'Sometime too hot the eye of Heaven shines

And often is his gold complexion dimmed'

Wonderful!

(Here in the UK his gold complexion is more often dimmed than he shines too hot!!)

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

It is a controversial subject. Does anyone ever think about the soul of a foetus? I am fascinated by the soul: where it goes after the death of the body, where it was before life, how many millennia has it lived through? As it affects us all I imagine lots of other people are too. On the other hand there are those who don't believe in its existence. I can only go on my own experiences, which are covered in my memoir, Shadow Across the Sun.

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

I haven't come across any sure fire way but I have joined a group on Goodreads - Modern Good Reads - to discuss it. I have also downloaded a book by Greg Spence called How to Market Your Self Published Book Online 

Here is the Link: 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Market-Your-Self-Published-Online-ebook/dp/B00CJBYD5Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369133418&sr=1-1&keywords=greg+spence

Links to find and follow Sherrie's work

website http://www.sherrielowe.co.uk/

Twitter: @SherrieLowe2

Watch the Trailer:

#Indie Spotlight of Sean McDevitt @smcdevitt2011 Author of Call Me Ismay

The Author:

Sean McDevitt

The Title of Your Work or Group: 

CALL ME ISMAY

Where are you from?

I'm a California native, but I live in Wisconsin.

In what genre do you write?

My work tends to be suspenseful, but to be honest I don't want to be identified as a genre novelist. I don't ever want to write the same book twice.

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it?

In one sentence, it's about vampires on the Titanic. That was actually going to be the title at one point- Vampires on the Titanic- but I decided that I wanted it to be taken seriously; this is historical fiction, it's not a spoof or some goofball attempt to shoehorn the vampire genre into a story that everybody already knows. I asked myself very serious questions about the premise: Vampires? On the Titanic? How did they get there? What did they do?

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens.

For CALL ME ISMAY, I had to create a very intricate timeline; the story starts about six months prior to the Titanic disaster, then it goes to just a few days after the sinking, and then back again. I wasn't sure if the threads were all going to get tied together, but they finally did.

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!"

To be totally honest, yes. When one of the major characters in CALL ME ISMAY finally lays eyes on the ship, it goes into a description that I couldn't possibly be more proud of. I've had a lifelong love of anything related to the Titanic- I was a Titanic buff long before it was cool- so it was thrilling and rewarding to be able to express how I might have felt if I'd been the one to actually see the ship.

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself?

I have a super-secret panel of editors (seriously, no joke) from all over who have vetted both CALL ME ISMAY and my previous novel, THE WIZARD MURDERS. They have a wide variety of experience in both writing and education, so I'm very, very fortunate to have them. My friend Kate Kersten, who is a professional graphic arts designer, has created all of my book covers- and how ridiculously lucky am I, to have a friend who just happens to do that sort of thing for a living? And I LOVED what she came up with for CALL ME ISMAY. It's simple and it captures exactly what I was setting out to do, in terms of historical fiction: if you think you know the story of the Titanic, think again. What you know is only the tip of the iceberg- literally and figuratively.

I should mention that my first work, a short story called THE VELVET SOFA, had its cover designed by a fellow author and friend, Feath Pym.

Who is your favorite author. Not just someone that you read allot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy.

Ray Bradbury. "R Is For Rocket," his collection of short stories. That's all I can say. His work is invaluable to me.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I tend to demand a lot from myself in terms of detail, so at times the writing process can be like sloshing through mud- slow, slow, slow. It's ultimately quite rewarding, but at times it just seems like it's going to take forever. (It took me six months of work on CALL ME ISMAY just to get all of my characters onto the ship in Southampton!)

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you?

Sometimes my characters surprise me. This is when talking about writing sounds like some form of voodoo. I'll think I know who they (the characters) are, but then they turn right around and say, No, THIS is what I am. My lead vampire is a member of the House of Commons, named Edward Lyons. I had no idea that he would turn out to have at least some morals and standards in his own weird way. His right-hand man, Bartholomew Gidley, was a revelation. I had no idea he would turn out to be so funny. (In a very dark and cruel way, but still funny.)

Do you ever write yourself into the characters?

Sure. Kerry Langston is a London newspaper reporter who uncovers the fact that Edward Lyons is a vampire. I at one time was a radio news reporter, so over the course of time I sort of found myself seeping into his sensibilities. I initially envisioned him as Malcolm McDowell in his younger days, eager and idealistic, but eventually I started to find more of myself coming through him. And there's actually quite a bit of me in the detective in THE WIZARD MURDERS, although that character is much older.

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak.

My day job is just that- a job. Not a career, just a means to an end. It's a paycheck. My real passion is in writing and in acting. Of course, I have the same dream of about 100,000 other writers- I WISH it was my full-time job.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be?

William Shakespeare. What was his voice like? How did he move? How did his words sound when they came out of his own mouth? We'll never really know, it's all conjecture.

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre?

I can honestly say that I poured all of myself into this project- it's a lifetime of interest and a labor of love. In some ways, I feel may have been fated to write this book. To me, the big lesson about Titanic is all about inevitability. When you take that whole story in -the biggest ship in the world, making what turned out to be her only voyage- there's simply no other way it could have ended. And I think that the book successfully demonstrates how some destinies are inevitable.

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from?

Social media. Facebook, Twitter- both absolutely vital. You simply will not get anywhere without them.

Links to find and follow Sean's work:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CallMeIsmay

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smcdevitt2011

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sean-McDevitt/e/B006Z10AG2

Call Me Ismay Preview: 

Book trailer for CALL ME ISMAY: http://youtu.be/pAYCJ6zVB0o

Book trailer for THE WIZARD MURDERS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AfIJjyyQDg&feature=share&list=UUmqVPfpojwnYQp3OFDieCyg

#Spotlight of Donna Collier @CollierDonna E- Book Cover Designer

Tell us about yourself. 

First of all allow me to thank you Nicole for having me here today. I appreciate you spotlighting my e-book cover designs and supporting my work.

About me…..My name is Donna Collier of DLC Designs…..I am a wife, mother, grandmother, animal lover, avid camper and graphic designer. I live in beautiful southern Michigan with my husband of 28 years.      

How did you become a cover designer? 

My experience in this field started with learning how to design websites. I freelanced at that for 8 years learning how to work with clients to make their ideas come alive on the web. Then it was time for a change so I decided to do what makes my heart sing….my favorite part of website design….Graphic Art. With the help of an author friend, I looked into how to make that happen and that is what brings us here today.

As a writer, one of my greatest tools of inspiration is music. Where do you find the most inspiration?

 I love music too, as well as browsing digital art sites like Deviant Art. It am continually amazed by the talented people out there.

What is the process to creating a book cover?

 I start by talking with the client about their ideas of what they would like to see on their cover. Next they send me a blurb about the book so I can get a feel for their story. Together we decide on the images to be used and the direction the cover should take. Then I go to work. Generally I design several covers for the client to choose from. Once a single cover has been chosen I will work with the client to dial in their finished cover.    

Have you ever won an award for your work? 

No awards to date. I won a website banner contest several years ago that helped me make the decision to do this full time. 

What is your favorite cover to date? Why?

 I have a long time client who is a retired teacher turned author. He was one of my first paying clients and he has stuck with me to this day (8 covers later). I would say anything designed for him is my favorite. 

Your website link: 

http://dcoll1.wix.com/dlcdesigns

List which genre(s) you create covers for:

I will design any genre e-book cover.

Add your book covers, attached separately in the email, maybe some personal favourites:

Please list whether you do freelance or not, and if you do, add any necessary promo information. Some designers only work with publishers. If you have multiple creative outlets, please do list them all with the appropriate information.

Promo: I do freelance work from my home in southwestern Michigan. My passion lies in digital design. Let me use that energy to design an E-Book cover for you. One that makes your E-Book jump off the screen. Please see my portfolio at http://dcoll1.wix.com/dlcdesigns I would love the opportunity to work with you. Let’s get started today!  

Follow Donna on Twitter:

@CollierDonna

#IndieSpotlight of Roy Murry @roylmurry425 Author of The Audubon Caper

The Author

Roy Murry

The Title of Your work: 

The Audubon Caper

Where are you from? 

Massachusetts 

In what genre do you write? 

Autobiography/True Crime

In your own words, what is your book about?

 It’s the story of making a decision to become a criminal or do the right thing and become a witness for the government. The main event is the theft of John James Audubon’s prints from Key West, Florida. However, there are a number of themes that underline the main event: drug trafficking, love affairs, and mafia connections. 

What is your writing style?

 I spend most of my time before writing a word thinking about my next scene will be. However, I start with an outline. 

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!" ? 

 NO

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I hired an editor. 

Who is your favorite author? 

No one in particular. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

Not yet. I’m writing my second book which is already outlined.

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you? 

 My first book I knew all the characters as with my second. One of my main characters in Audubon was an FBI agent. He was a combination of all the agents into one.

Do you ever write yourself into the characters? 

So far – Yes.

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? 

I have a part time job and spend the rest of the time reading and writing. I have a blog where I interview authors and review their books.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be? 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson.

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

 I’m the main character and the story is real about me being in the Witness Protection Program.

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

All I can say is that my blog has help promote my writing which other author have been kind enough to buy my book and review it – all giving me a Five Star rating.

Links for people to find and follow your work:

Facebook Page: Author Roy Murry and http://on.fb.me/Y1aTD0

Twitter: @roylmurry425

Blog: http://www.conniesbrother.blogspot.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/MGxfR7 B&N: http://bit.ly/PWnA8n

#IndieSpotlight of Jeniffer Raygoza @RaygozaJen Author of The Guardians

The Author

Jennifer Raygoza

The Title of Your Work or Group: 

The Guardians

Where are you from? 

I currently reside in Corona California but I have lived all over the place.

In what genre do you write? 

Fiction-My books border on Fantasy with a side of romance mixed in with drama. I suppose I should make up a customized genre for my books. 

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it?

I would say this book is about a human girl who is sent out on a normal job for her father so she thinks and she ends of meeting a vampire who turns her life upside down. She finds out that she is an important key to what he and his coven have been waiting for. 

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens. 

I just sit down and write. I can’t force it. It just has to come to me.

Have you ever written anything and thought; "The world has got to see this!"? 

I just dropped my first book. It wasn’t me that thought that. Family kept finding pages and telling me how great it was. I was like really? I thought it was awesome but I didn’t think it would get the response it has. People say they can’t put it down. 

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I do have an editor. I tell a great story, but I am horrible when it comes to grammar and punctuation. I had some editing issues with the first roll out but I just had it re-edited again. I used Dreamstime for my cover photo and found an amazing photo that just happen to go with the book.

 Who is your favorite author? Not just someone that you read a lot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy. 

I used to read ‘Where the sidewalk ends’ by Shel Silverstein a million times when I was younger. It was a book of poetry. That’s where it all started, I think because after that I started writing poetry in High School. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I really love a forbidden romance because it’s fun. I find myself trying to make it as realistic as I can because anyone that has been in love will tell you it’s a rollercoaster. My current characters are vampires so writing the relationship fights can be tricky. 

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you?

My characters write themselves. I usually get a vivid image of what the characters look like or how their personality is, but sometimes the characters surprise me and do something unexpected. 

Do you ever write yourself into the characters?

I think Gianna-my current lead female character has a lot of me in her. I definitely had her short temper when I was younger.

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak

Writing is my full time job at the time. I am off work currently with some medical issues.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be?

Abraham Lincoln. People say he was humble and a good guy. I would love to see if that’s true and Abe and I share a birthday. 

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

I am just a girl who wrote a book about vampires. They fascinate me and I know there is a whole bunch of other people who think the same thing. My book may not be for everybody. I took everything I love to see in a book or movie and mixed it into this book. I say check it out yourself and hopefully you love what I created. 

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

I made my own press releases and found over 10 companies online that posted them up for free. Facebook and Twitter has helped and also Goodreads. 

Links to find and follow Jennifer's work:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theguardiansvampnovel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaygozaJen

Blog: Website: http://theguardiansvampnovel.webs.com/

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00C13CKVG

Watch the Trailer for The Guardians.

#Indie Spotlight of The Witch Hunter Saga by Nicole R. Taylor @nicole_noir

Author: 

Nicole R. Taylor

The Title of Your Work or Group: 

The Witch Hunter Saga

Where are you from? 

Australia

In what genre do you write? 

I mainly write in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal, but dabble a little in post-apocalyptic. I like to create worlds within worlds.

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it? 

The Witch Hunter is a book about revenge, trust, secrets and lies, coming to terms with what life has thrown at you and being able to overcome it all. And maybe a little bit about growing a heart and giving a damn about something other than yourself. And one mental witch from beyond the grave thrown in for good measure.

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens.

I take scenes that have been festering inside my head and write them down. After a lot of mulling over them, I plan them into a larger novel. With a series, once I have the basic idea, then it takes on a life of its own and its on like Donkey Kong.

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!" ? 

I don't think I would have published anything if I didn't think someone had to read it. All writers should have faith in their own work, otherwise why should your readers?

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I edit my own work, but have beta readers comb over it for plot holes and anything that sounds weird. So far, I've done alright with editing. In the past I've edited articles and reviews for music magazines, so I have some experience with it.

I have a designer for my covers, simply because I want my work to look professional. As an indie, this is very important. People do judge a book by it's cover!

Who is your favorite author. Not just someone that you read allot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy. 

I wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember. All I ever did when I was a kid was read. My favorites were Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix and Anne McCaffrey. I loved fantasy simply because it got me out of my reality and into a world where amazing things could happen. Especially Tamora Pierce and Garth Nix. They wrote about ordinary teens becoming extraordinary. It was something I wanted to be and it inspired me to start writing my own stories.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I always have trouble with the middle. I love to write the big climactic action scenes, so the in between bits sometimes get to me. I think this is why there are so many action sequences in my books!

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you? 

I begin with an idea of who the characters are, but they take on their own lives and make their own decisions.

Do you ever write yourself into the characters? 

Oh my! I am nothing like my characters. A vampire with anger management issues, a hybrid with a bad bad bad reputation for hunting down witches and taking their powers away... um no, I'm nothing like them!

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak.

I still have a day job. I have no illusions of grandeur. I just want people to enjoy what I'm writing.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be? 

Elizabeth the First. She single handedly brought a corrupt monarchy and war torn country into a period of peace that lasted 80 years. And she was able to crush the Spanish Armada (with only a handful of ships to the Spanish's hundreds) before they even set foot on English soil. She was strong and ass-kicking for a medieval queen. I think I could take a few pointers from her.

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

It's a new take on the vampire myth, a new beginning a and a new set of rules. It has an ass-kicking female lead and new types of supernatural creatures not seen in other novels. 

It's only a story I could have written.

 In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

I don't think there's one great free way. If there is, i haven't found it yet. I use Twitter a lot and post regularly on my blog. Keeping in touch and always being there is important. With so many authors and books its easy for people to forget you, even though your work might have merit,

Links to find and Follow Nicole's work.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-R-Taylor/452118154855116

Twitter: twitter.com/nicole_noir

Blog: www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

Website: www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOXS8TC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BOXS8TC&linkCode=as2&tag=nicrtaywri-20

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-witch-hunter-nicole-r-taylor/1114690941

iTunes: http://itun.es/i6Jn5ZQ

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Witch-Hunter-Book-One/book-ilTHglO0UUyjxgMI_0H3Vw/page1.html?s=VR6vzJZWFUmMs7m7ZTByVA&r=1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/292130

Book Depository: http://affiliates.bookdepository.com/scripts/click.php?a_aid=8893&a_bid=21478c1a&desturl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookdepository.com%2FWitch-Hunter-Nicole-Taylor%2F9781482061697

#Indie Spotlight of Robin Tidwell @RobinTidwell Author of Reduced and Reused

The Author

 Robin Tidwell

The Title of Your Work or Group: 

                                  Reduced, Reused, and coming in July, Recycled.

Where are you from? 

St. Louis, Missouri

In what genre do you write?

Dystopian

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it? 

Well, it’s this great book about a government screw-up, and almost everyone is killed off by a virus known as V.A.D.E.R. A group of adults have had a bit of a warning that this could happen, so they’ve arranged to meet in a remote location near St. Louis, one that they’re familiar with from long ago. They survive… mostly. For a while. Then things get bad. Those who are left join a resistance of sorts, but soon only three are left. The second book begins with the end of the first, and unexpected reinforcements arrive. Soon, the small group has increased in size but, as things continue to deteriorate, they make the decision to head to the center of the corruption: Chicago.

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens. 

First, I have an idea; it transfers to the keyboard, just as though I were telling a story – duh, right? I know what’s going to happen, usually, but sometimes I write the ending first. Once, when I did that, I went to the epilogue, then the last chapter, second to last, and so on until I realized I was writing the damn thing backwards. So I switched in up again and went back to the beginning. It’s helpful in that you DO know where you’re going, at least. I jot down notes, like a character’s preference or hair color or age, just so I don’t mess that up at some point. And, sometimes, I’ll do a quick outline but I often deviate from that and seldom actually refer to it. I do follow rules and guidelines, unless they don’t work – especially when it comes to dialogue.

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!" ? 

Of course. Why else would I do this?

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I do have an editor, but I designed the covers myself. However, since I started out publishing house, Rocking Horse Publishing, I now have a freelance cover designer for all our other books.

Who is your favorite author. Not just someone that you read allot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy. 

Margaret Mitchell. She was my original inspiration and yes, I have my own Great American Novel in progress.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

Finding the time and the motivation at the same hour of the day. Between the publishing house, the bookstore, my family (in no particular order!), a new puppy… well, it’s hard to keep putting out fires AND be creative.

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you? 

My main character, Abby, was in the dream that sparked this entire venture. I’ve been told she’s a little like me so, well, we argue a lot. Mostly though, I go into character mode – like an actor, I think – and out she comes. At least, I prefer to use the term “actor,” instead of “mentally unbalanced.”

Do you ever write yourself into the characters? 

I think I might have just answered that… but yes, Abby is more like I would like to be as opposed to how I actually am – more or less!

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak. 

Mom, wife, publisher, bookseller, author – it’s a combination.

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be? 

Ooh, that’s a tough one. Margaret Mitchell, for sure. And a few of the classic actors, John Wayne, Clark Gable. There are a lot more, I’m sure, if I had time to actually think about it!

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

It seems to me as though a lot of dystopian is geared toward YA; mine is not. Most adult dystopian seems to include aliens or zombies and again, mine does not. Just the world transitioned into a new one, a more frightening one, but one with opportunities nonetheless.

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

I use social media, of course, Facebook, Twitter, a little Pinterest and G+. I know many writers with blogs and social media accounts and I’m not afraid to ask for publicity on those fronts. I’m all about cheap marketing, I promote heavily but not, I hope, obnoxiously! I send out freebies to reviewers, do giveaways, and of course I have a website. You have to diversify; I sell through bookstores, my websites, and even out of my truck if it comes to that. Networking, too, is important – and in person, like at writers conferences, not just online.

Now, Where can people find and follow your work?

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RobinTidwell.Author

Twitter: @RobinTidwell

Blog: http://robintidwell.wordpress.com/

Website: http://www.RobinTidwell.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Tidwell/e/B0092W1B8M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1367876879&sr=8-1

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/robin-tidwell

wwwAllontheSamePageBookstore.com.

www.RockingHorsePublishing.com

#IndieSpotlight of Karli Rush @KarliRush Author of Daylight (No Death For The Wicked Series)

Name: Karli Rush

The Title of Your Work or Group:

Daylight (No Death For The Wicked Series)

Where do you create?

 I was born and raised in the capital city of the Cherokee Nation.

In what genre do you write? 

Paranormal Romance, Vampire Gothic Romance, Dystopian Sci-fi, and soon Contemporary Romance. 

In your own words, what is your book about? If you were not the author and trying to explain this awesome book you just read to a friend, what would you say about it? 

Are you kidding me? You like Vampire Romance, right? This one has a girl in it with some serious attitude, I just love her to death. So does someone else, but I’m not about to tell you the really good stuff. Reading this one was fun, I want book two but it’s not out yet. I hope it’s not too long before it comes out. I like the twists in this one, your gonna love it!

What is your writing style? Do you follow all guides and rules? Synopsis, outline etc. or do you just sit down at the computer and type to see what happens. 

My books are born from dreams and then over time become complete stories inside my mind. I usually don’t start writing before the ending is complete, mentally. I often enough allow the story to unfold itself though. Sometimes it goes in directions I never see coming and that is usually when I am on the verge of a very original storyline. I wrote Daylight in a series of scenes, most of which didn’t fit together until the very end. That was more stressful on me and I hope the next installment of the “No Death For The Wicked Series” is more linear. 

Have you ever written anything and thought; " The world has got to see this!" ? 

I love this question. The answer is, maybe. What I mean by that is my reaction to some of what I write is, “How will the world take to my twisted imagination?” I write about love, but then I incorporate the bitter evil that is also out there and I intertwine them together. I tend to be more nervous than excited about my new releases. I cross my fingers a lot. 

Do you have an editor and Cover Designer or do you do this yourself? 

I am a true Indie Author. It is all on me, not that I wish it that way, but it is the circumstance. I handle 100% of my writing from cradle to grave you could say. 

Who is your favorite author? Not just someone that you read allot. I wanna know whose book you read that made you suddenly know that if you didn't do this for the rest of your life then you would never be happy. 

I have two that made me understand that writing is so profound, if the talent is there. Both of these men have given me questions about my own existence and beyond. It is here, in their words, that I find my compulsion to bring my own sordid tales of love and disaster together. Thank you Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

The balance. Is the dialog too much, or not enough? Do I describe the sparkling droplets of dew that cascade from the leaf and awaken the sleeping flower, or is that overdone and the crisp cool morning dew is enough. Yes, I would say the balance is the hardest. Too much and a reader is bored, too little and they don’t engage their imagination. You can lose a reader either way. 

Do you write your characters or do they write themselves through you? 

I have scenes in my head of a character, it might be only a few moments, but that is the defining structure that I base them on. Mattie stomping down the road, mad. Watching as her feet flash in and out of her vision as her anger fuels her movements. Everything builds from that point.

Do you ever write yourself into the characters? 

No, not really. One of the things that make me love writing is to invent. To create someone that is different and more than me, with better traits, stronger wills, deeper loves. I write more about what I am not. Although I still feel a closeness to each of my characters.

Is writing your full time job or are you "Keeping your day job"? So to speak. 

Full time mom with a son who is autistic is my day job and I wouldn’t change that for anything. I write full time as well and I should add juggler to this, because without that skill, nothing would get done. 

If you could go back in time and meet one famous person or legend in history, who would it be? 

To me this question is very personal. I never knew my mother. I was three months old when she passed and I would give all I have and more to meet her and talk to her for any amount of time.

There are millions of new books released every year. What in your mind makes yours stand out from all those millions in your genre? 

To me when you look at a book and read the blurb it is too easy to pop it into a category or compare it to a well known. “Yeah, another Fifty Shades.” or “This sounds like that movie I watched last year.” And not that I do this consciously, but I want originality in my writing. I want something fresh. Drag racing Witches, Vampires being stalked by death. A Mermaid attracted to music like moths to a flame. I desire smart twists on popular topics and I look for that in what I read personally. I take each of my books and ask myself, “Would I read this if I didn’t write it?” I have stopped writing a couple of times because I couldn’t answer “Yes.” to that question. 

In the world of Indie, marketing is very difficult, especially if you don't have the funds to pay for it. Have you found a great free way to market your work that you think other Indies will benefit from? 

Social media creates the opportunity for exposure, but more so than that is to be different within the masses. I watch twitter, facebook, goodreads, etc and see the volume of ads being generated by authors trying to get the word out. We all fall into the trap of advertising to the same people over and over again. That is the biggest challenge. New outlets, blog tours, interviews, readers that run book clubs and actually taking off your advertising hat and let your fans get to know you. Anything that someone can connect with. I see repetitiveness too often. 

Effective advertising also requires more than yourself, it requires friends that believe, and have read, and love your work. Once you have that, ask them to share and grow from that standpoint. I will give away my book in a heartbeat if I think that a reader will become a fan. Fans are the key to an author’s success. Fans brag to friends about how awesome the book is. Fans hear songs on the radio that reminds them of your book. Fans buy everything you produce. Fans require two things. Great books and lots of them. Fans don’t like to wait too long. So identify your fans, feed them your work and keep them coming back for more. I am by no means an expert, because I am constantly learning what works and what doesn’t. Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Blog, Web Pages, Twitter... and one I am learning about right now is Google Books. There are millions of books out there, but, there are Billions of readers!

Author blurb

Karli has always blazed her own trail, whether popular or not. She has three wonderful sons and is contently married to a supportive husband. Her passion outside of writing is photography and all things natural. She is an Autism advocate and enjoys hiking, bike riding and family.

Karli was born deep in Cherokee Nation Indian Territory where she grew up loving everything paranormal and has even, first hand, witnessed a womanly spirit. The sighting, as it is referred to, occurred in Eureka Springs, Arkansas one of the top ten most haunted hotels, The Crescent Hotel. This experience captured Karli in ways that have expanded her beliefs about the possibilities of other realms.

As a teen, Karli was an avid reader, she sought out solitude for her passion in nearby Indian Graveyards. Although writing was something that has pulled at her most of her life, it wasn't until a recent visit to a Shaman, who saw her spirit's need for creativity that she truly began down the path.

The Crescent Bound series is her first work which will consist of five books in all. Crescent Bound, Raven Bound, Demon Bound, Shadow Bound,and Ice Bound. Two more series will soon be available this year Daylight (The first of her new Vampire series. Pine Needles a Dystopian, Sci/fi series more details coming soon. 

Karli's ideal world would be one of open-minded kindness from everyone.

Contact Links

Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Karli-Rush/e/B007DJNOMW

Goodread Author Page - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6425233.Karli_Rush

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/karli.rush1

Blog Official - http://rushbound.blogspot.com/

Blog (Fun & Character Interviews) - http://rushboundblog.wordpress.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/KarliRush

Website - http://crescentbound.wix.com/karli-rush

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C00IAVO