Start with the facts – Paranormal Romance/Erotica author Tessa Lane

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

My e-book novella, The Wolfen Lover (Amira Press) tells the story of the forbidden love between a vampire princess and a Wolfen creature. The magical Wolfen tribe are wolves by night, and human by day. They are the natural enemies of the vampires who inhabit their area.

I have always enjoyed reading about vampire lore and magical things. It’s amazing how much vampire and shifter fiction there is out there, and the way it continues to fascinate, decade after decade.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I’ve written stories and poetry throughout my life. I’m experimented with different genres, and I find I have an affinity for grown-up fairy tales. I write for magazines and I freelance full-time, so I’ve honed my writing skills in a variety of ways.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Try to be different. With e-books, I notice that many of them seem similar, whether they are paranormal or not. It’s important to understand the genre, but also to keep your sense of self as a writer. Finding your own voice is more satisfying than imitation.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

There are great benefits from joining on-line reader and writer groups. For example, I’m a part of the CoffeeTime Romance website, and they feature a full message board, author chats, and honest reviews. They gave The Wolfen Lover a great review, and that made me very happy. It’s nice to be a part of groups where everyone is interested in the same things. Networking is vital for a writer.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

The ideal reader for The Wolfen Lover is looking for sensual romance with an otherworldly element. Someone who enjoys adult fairy tales with real longing and passion between the two main characters will enjoy my story.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

I have a lot of drive to be a writer. It seems to just be there, and I don’t have to force myself to write stories. I think life’s experiences, such as relationships and hardships, bring out character and depth that comes through in a person’s writing.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Just the publishing business…it’s a jungle out there! There is lot for a new, naïve writer to learn about getting published and who they should work with. Arm yourself with knowledge before you sign a contract. You can never do too much research into a company. Luckily, Amira Press are one of the good ones. Working with them has been a pleasure.
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

You can go online and check out companies. Then, you’ll know who is legit, and you won’t waste valuable time. Look into BBB rankings and things like that. Once you’re confident, just keep submitting your work. Listen carefully to any criticism, but don’t let it change your whole style as a writer. It’s best to be yourself and do what feels right to you.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

I suppose the desire for recognition does factor in, but it’s a quiet kind of desire. I want people to read what I write and like it a lot.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Women who love books like The Mists Of Avalon or The Other Boleyn Girl may appreciate my writing style. I love those books and I try to write intelligent, meaningful stories that resonate with the reader.
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Please visit www.amirapress.com and search for Tessa Lane! You can read free excerpts and my review from Coffeetime Romance & More. Thanks!

On My Own In Detail

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The book is called On My Own Now: Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free and my name is Donna Lee Schillinger

What inspired the book?

I was rereading Proverbs one day thinking, "I wish I had never stopped reading Proverbs when I was a teenager."

What makes this book special to you?

I started the project as a sort of scrapbook of my stories for my daughter. Regardless of the success it may achieve, it will foremost for me be a gift for Gwen.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

This book is full of valuable lessons. I accept that I have made many mistakes in the past and I wish to spare young women some hearache by sharing those stories with them. I find the ideas and advice from the Proverbs and all the wisdom they have to offer.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

I only wish that after young women read my book they'll feel empowered to make wise decisions and commit to living a regret-free life.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I'm not sure I've a creative person. I can turn a phrase, but it seems to be a genetic thing.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Just time. My bread and butter job pays half the family bills, so I don't have luxury to throw myself into this the way I might if I didn't need utilities.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Such an excellent question. I'm afraid the answer might reveal some certifiable narcissism or neediness, so I think I'll pass on trying to psychoanalyze the author.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I've not gotten as crazy as I know I will some day because I'm not so brave just yet. I have a hard time mustering up the nerve to do a book signing! I did have a scarebrain idea for another author, Narciso Zamora, author of Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America. He was doing a book tour in July and his last stop was Orlando, the International Christian Retail Show. The next to last stop was Marietta, Ga. My idea was that he should walk between those two destinations and gather media attention along the way. In retrospect, I think he would have just dropped dead around about Macon, Ga.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm the best person to write this. I just am the one who wrote it. I've learned a lot of lessons in my own errant youth and a lot through working with homeless single mothers. I have a strong relationship with the Creator, but I'm no expert on the Proverbs.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

I'm not sure what I could say to get a young, single Christian woman to buy the book. But to her mother or grandmother, all I have to say is: Your daughter is about to leave home. Are you ready for this? Send your influence along in her suitcase, covertly disguised as a cute little graduation gift. If she doesn't read, download the free audiobook (that comes with the purchase of the print book) on to her MP3 player the night before she leaves home.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

On My Own Now is about strengthening young women’s faith and preventing the screw-ups that can brand us for life. I draw on my eclectic past as a rebellious youth, Peace Corps volunteer, social worker, single mother, court mediator and executive director of a home for single young mothers. I use gender-reversed Proverbs with real-life applications to wave the red flag of caution for young women, warning against the pitfalls of a post-modern, sexually casual, consumer-is-king society that is indelibly scarring youth with cynicism, sexually transmitted diseases and bad credit.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

This book ties in to gobs of current events, everything from the economy to sexually transmitted diseases.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

This book makes a great devotional for a young woman. It's broken up into sections that take about 5 minutes each to read.

Start with the Facts About On My Own Now

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

I was rereading Proverbs one day thinking, "I wish I had never stopped reading Proverbs when I was a teenager."

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I draw on my eclectic past as a rebellious youth, Peace Corps volunteer, social worker, single mother, court mediator and executive director of a home for single young mothers.

3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

Don't try to consume the book of Proverbs in a month, like everyone I've ever heard recommends. Take one proverbs a day (or one small section in the places where a few verses work together to form one idea). Just one a day and meditate on it. Proverbs for your spirit are like Vit C for your body. When you get too much in you, the excess just spills out, it doesn't get absorbed. So no need to waste your time and enthusiasm on a bunch of Proverbs that you're just going to overflow. One a day is good. And be consistent.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

That's a good reason. Support is another good reason. I belong to a Yahoo group on publishing and the folks on that have been very helpful where Google falls short. And that's one of the reasons I go to church too. Support!

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

All young women on their own or about to head out on their own for the very first time.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

It can be anything, everyday experiences, memories, random ideas, important people in one's life, etc.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

Time is problematic for almost everyone. We all have busy schedules, maybe even a day job, and families. Finding sufficient time to develop fully your ideas can be a struggle.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

Building it into your schedule has done the trick for me. Even if that means getting up a little earlier or going to bed later, you need to commit to writing.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Probably the desire for fame. I think it's burning in all of us. I think it's hard-wired, a social manifestation of that survival of the fittest concept.

10 - Who is the “perfect” person to read your book?

Young (17-23) Christian single women leaving for college or getting their very first apartment.

11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I reverse the gender in most of the proverbs I use and it really opens them up for a lot of application one wouldn't have previously considered. Also, I tell a lot of my dirt in the book, not sure if that's good, bad or neutral.

Author Interview with Krista Tibbs

Your Name: Krista Tibbs

1. Where you are from and where are you now?
I was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Lincoln, ME, and now live in the Boston area.

2. How did you get started writing?
I found that writing my thoughts on paper helped me to focus on other things, until eventually I realized I enjoyed the writing more than the other things!

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I work in clinical research (human studies) in the biotechnology industry. I am currently working on a gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease. When I’m not working or writing (which takes up most of my time!), I like to swing dance.

4. What would readers like to know about you?
I honestly don’t know!

5. What inspired your first book?
Most of the books I’ve read on the topic of drug development portray greed, corruption and ineptitude as the root of all problems. I have worked in the biotechnology industry, government, and academic research, and I haven’t encountered a single evil mastermind in my travels. I have seen a lot of people trying to do the right thing but getting in each other’s way, which is a more complex, interesting, and important story, I think.

6. How many books have you written?

I have only finished one so far.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?
The Neurology of Angels is mainstream fiction, with political, medical/science and famile elements.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Because I used to work in the lab and now work in biotech industry, I have an insight to the process anddecisions that must be made to develop and market a drug. I have also worked in Washington, DC in the Executive Office of the President, so I have spent time on Capitol Hill and have some insight into that world as well.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
I have a schedule to make sure that I write at least 5 days a week. And I constantly ask myself when I start to do something instead of writing – is this necessary for my health? That generally ensures that I don’t clean just to procrastinate and that I go out for fun on occasion to maintain my sanity.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
For the love of it. (By “it”, I mean writing, not money!)

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

I’ve tried celebrity endorsement, sending postcards, handing out bookmarks, in person book signings, and visits to independent stores. But the most successful traditional method I have used is simply getting reviewed. Getting the first one took quite a bit of time and effort, but one legitimate review made others more open to reading the book and to posting reviews on their blogs or Amazon or goodreads.com, etc. Word of mouth is still the best publicity.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
I’m still in the process of all of the online possibilities through social networks, which seem endless. The most successful non-traditional thing I have done was a preview video, which may not be particularly unique, but it’s fairly new, I believe. I have received many comments on it and suggestions to send it to anyone who’ll look at it. In fact, here’s a link now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACtarZ1e72s

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

www.neurologyofangels.com

14. Where can people order your books?
The book is available on that website or a variety of online retailers including Books a Million, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target, or through most local bookstores.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

The book is in print in trade paperback, and there is an electronic version for Amazon Kindle.

16. Will you write more books?
Yes, I have one that keeps me up nights right now.

17. What do you have in the works now?
I don’t like to talk about what I have in the works, because there is always more research to do, and I want to leave the characters free to take the book in a direction that might not have occurred to me yet.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?
The only thing that is certain is lack of sleep in the near future!

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

True relationship building. It takes time, but nothing has been more of a sure thing than just getting to know people and letting them know me and my characters’ story.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?
Sending press releases upon publication. Even though I had a press release that was relevant to current news (not just “hey, my book came out”), it didn’t receive any response that I could measure, not even a request for a review copy. However, it was good to have a press release available for later, to have something to publish in the local paper just before a book signing.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.
The Neurology of Angels is a novel about the hearts inside the business and politics of drug development and the consequences of a choice between saving one child and treating thousands.

22. What makes this book special to you?
It is my first.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?
My favorite comment was “This book will not only make you cry, it will make you think.” That is all I could ask for.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
Decisions made about the health care system affect everyone in the country. It is vitally important that different sides of the issues are seen in context so we can understand the full complexity of the reasons drug development takes so long and costs so much, in order to: a) avoid unintended consequences from one-sided decision-making and b) think about creative ways to change the system or find what works and make it better.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Anyone who cares about someone or represents someone or is someone or might become someone who has a disease with no cure. Because this book gives you a voice and encouragement to act.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
Forcing myself to write every day, even just in a journal gets the juices flowing and also helps me to see themes that are important to me. Whenever I read anything, I keep a notebook by my side and stop mid-sentence to jot down ideas. Actually, I have a notebook in my car and every room of my apartment (yes, every room), because I’ve realized that the best ideas hit when I’m concentrating on something else, and I won’t remember them later. Funny thing, how the brain works.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I once had a friend whose father was an engineer-turned-minister, and he said that being a minister is something you only do because you have to. For me, writing is like that. I do it because it nags at me and stirs inside me and clogs my brain until I get it out. Then it bothers and bothers until I edit it into submission. It’s either write or go insane!

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I once stood in line outside a concert venue in the middle of a hurricane to give my book to one of the performers that I knew liked to read.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

I would say, take 2 minutes to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACtarZ1e72s