Teel James Glenn Talks About His Book Promotion

Interview with Teel James Glenn

1. Where are you from and where are you now?

I’m a Brooklyn boy, born and bread in Flatbush, though as I often point out—I am from Flatbush, not of it. I think of myself as more of a citizen of the world. Though I didn’t get far-I live in Union City New Jersey right now just across the tunnel from Manhattan.

2. How did you get started writing?

I started writing as far back as I can remember filling notebooks in grammar school with ‘comic books’ of adventure characters.

3. What do you do when not writing?

I fall down, or get stabbed or set on fire. I am a stunt man and fight choreographer who is a sword expert. I do plays, TV and films (lots of low budget late night drinking party watching films).

4. What would readers like to know about you?

That I believe in heroes. Not just believe, I actively live my life trying to see the positive, not ignoring the negative, but choosing to operate ‘in the light.’ And so do my characters. I don’t want to spend any more time with ‘villains’ than needed to tell the story-I’m sick of the idea that the badguy is always more interesting dramatically-I thinks that’s not true if you really find the humanity in your hero.

5. What inspired your first book?

I had a summer writing course in high school and we were supposed to write a short story each week-I talked my teacher into letting me do a ‘novel- a four chapter book (which by the way I rewrote as a novella some thirty five years later and it saw print!)

6. How many books have you written?

To date I’ve written eighteen books, most of them in the last three years since I committed to writing as a career.

7. What are the titles of your books and in what genres?

The published or contracted books are:

The World of Altiva fantasy series books are: Death at Dragonthroat, Tales of a Warrior Priest, The Daemonhold Curse, Sister Warrior and the forth coming The Daemonhold Inheritance. (All from Epress-online.com)

The Exceptionals Sci Fi Thriller series books are: The Measure of a Man, Across theWasteland and On the Good Ship Caligula (From WhiskeyCreekpress.com)

The Dr. Shadows pulp detective/mystery books set in the 1930s are: A Hex of ShadowsShadows in Hong Kong (both due out from Epress-online late in o8 and 09.) and

And the first books of two series:

Vision Quest Factor (Sci Fi) and Knight Errant: Death ad Life at the Faire (Murder mystery)

Lastly: Them Fightin’ Words: A writer’s Guide to Writing Fight Scenes is a nonfiction book from Epress-Online where I give away some of my tricks.

8. How do you decide on a topic or genre and why are specifically qualified to write on that topic.

My stories always start with a character or two—the theme or genre actually comes later, in fact I ‘ve had characters shift genre’s on me when they wanted (Yes I think of them as alive). And I never write about something I have not experienced or researched very deeply—my varied background in my ‘other job’ has helped with that.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused when writing a book?

When I’m starting a book I have to really focus in—until the movie in my mind is running full bore-then nothing can distract me-I write while walking down the street, eating, talking with people—once I’m rolling I’m a ‘writing machine.’

10. Do you write to make money for the love of writing or both?

I write to be read-otherwise I could just fantasize the stories and be done with it. I want money for my writing so I can afford the time to write to be read by more people. Would I write for free? I might tell my stories for free at a gathering of friends but , no- as Robert Parker once said when Mickey Spillane referred to readers as ‘customers’—“That’s right, we ain’t giving it away for free!”

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

I am absolutely no judge of this—I haven’t sold enough for long enough to be able to tell you.

12. What are some unique methods you’ve used? Which are most successful?

Again, not a clue but I hope to have soon.

13. Do you sell through a website? What’s the address, if not why?

I refer people to the publisher’s website or Fictionwise or Amazon—I am not web savy enough to run my own site though someday I’d like to.

14. Where can people order your books?

My books are all available on Fictionwise or Amazon or from the publishers directly. Just goggle my name and I shall appear!

15. What format are your books in? E Book, Print or Audio?

So far both my publishers (and those of the anthology I have a story in) do both print and e versions. Hopefully audio books will follow.

16. Will you write more books?

Try to stop me!

17.What do you have in the works?

I just finished the Third Exceptionals novel and am about to launch into the fifth Altiva novel but I may take a little break to do some short form detective fiction I have a contemporary character Jeremiah Falcon that has been flying around in my consciousness waiting for a landing strip.

18.What does the future hold for you and your books?

I would like to do an illustrated version of some of my work—and a collection called Visions of Altiva-I am a painter/illustrator as well- which would explore the world visually. And The Exceptionals was originally conceived as a TV series and I’d love to shoot it—I did do a pilot trailer for it which I later recut into the book trailer.

19. What is the most successful thing you’ve done to promote your books?

Getting reviews, I would think—I did a lot of research and went after reviewers for my last few books and I think it has helped get the word out. That and making sure the books really were the best thing I could do and had my heart in them—I think the word gets out if you do that.

20.What is the least successful?

I don’t know—it is hard to gage-probably the writers groups I belong to—I don’t think most writers have the money to buy a heck of lot of the competition’s wares. But I might be wrong.

21. Tell us about your most recent work.

The first Exceptionals book: The Measure of a Man came out in May and has been doing well, was in fact the best seller for Whiskey Creek Press. It is about bio-enhanced bounty hunters in the year 2030 whose identities are protected by UN mandate.

22.what makes this book special?

It is my take on realistic ‘superheroes’ filtered through political science and current technology. And a way to examine just what it is, philosophically that makes a person risk their lives to do what they perceive is right. When I created the world of the Exceptionals in 1998 with my writing partner Jerry, we imagined terrorists attacking the World Trade Center in 2010. We were off by years but a lot of the world we foresaw is happening, and maybe will happen.

23.What sort of comments have you gotten about the contents of this book?

It has been doing well, a best seller for Whiskey Creek Press and spent a couple of weeks at number 17 out of 4400 at fictionwise. And one of the reviews at Simply Romance reviews said, in part:

“…The Exceptionals is a great book and the start of what I hope to be a long series in the science fiction/thriller suspense genre. The authors fictional world set in the mid 21st century is so vivid and compelling you find yourself believing that this reality of the world actually exists. Teel James Glenn and Jerry Kokich have created a great fictional world for their Exceptionals and I for one can't wait to return.”

24. What makes this a book other people must read and why?

It offers hope for that darker world to come and deals with some eternal issues about life, its meaning, purpose and direction. And the action is darn good.

25. What people need to read this book?

Anyone who loves adventure writing, strong women characters and political thrillers.

26. What sparks your creativity? And any tips for others to help them spark theirs?

I can get my inspiration from anything—A tv show that I didn’t like the plot twist and so see it going another way—or one I liked so much I want to do my version of it. A book I read, an article. Or some location I think a character should go to. As to sparking others’ creativity—just be open it comes at you from all sides. Just pick one and go with it.

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

I think it is the same motivation that the firs story tellers had sitting around a campfire—they have something to say- about themselves, the state of the world or some hope they need to express. It is easier now than ever to get your story out there—less of a monolithic new York tower to climb so more people are taking the plunge-which is good in many ways but bad in the sense that there are so many voices now that it is hard to be heard even if you do have something to contribute.

As for me—I have always wanted to share my stories with people. One of my biggest thrills is reading my work ( ala Dickens) at conventions. I do story telling at Ren faires and to know my work can touch people is a tremendous feeling. It is a hard industry, however, and so I have had to work to become a craftsman as well as a storyteller and that is the stage, I am afraid many new authors don’t embark on—it is the hardest part.

28. What is the most unusual thing you have done to promote your books?

Let people hit me in the head with pipes. On screen. The book trailer I did for Measure of a Man, culled from the TV pilot has me being bashed about quite a bit. And I do a lecture demo for Them’s Fightin’ Words that has a bunch of that in it.

29. If a potential reader wasn’t interested in this book what could you say to convince them to read it?

If they aren’t hooked by the first page I’d be surprised. It starts off at a dead run and doesn’t stop; the characters, even the bad guys- are people you can relate to.

30. Why does this topic interest you and why would a reader want to read it?

The search for meaning is universal and ultimately that is what all my work is about—that and the search for love to give life meaning. Even heroes need love

The Joy of Pregnancy by Tori Kropp

Tell us the book title and your author name.

It is great to be here. Thanks for having me. My name is Tori Kropp and the book is called The Joy of Pregnancy.

What inspired the book?

I have been a Perinatal nurse for more than 20 years. Even years before that I had a fascination with birth that has led me on this long and expanding road of pregnancy. There is nothing I know more about than “birthing” babies. I have seen more that 2000 babies come into the world in hospitals, birth centers, bedrooms, bathtubs, hammocks and even in the back of a pickup truck! Birth is not one bit less magical to me today than it was the first time.

Many years ago, I began to recognize that many women who were “prepared” for birth by having read books and taken classes were coming into their births ill prepared for actual labor. They were trusting a variety of “experts” and writers more than they trusted themselves. They were struggling to “think” their way through and to try to control the very primal and uncontrollable experience of childbirth.

Women today are more worried, anxious and serious than I have ever seen. Where is the humor of that expanding belly, the funny stories, and the old wives’ tales? It seems as though the common sense and lightness of this wonderful time has been replaced by dry facts about procedures, tests, and nutrition. These are all important things but certainly not the whole picture.

I have been able to use the skills I have in my work with pregnant women in a variety of ways. I have worked with women during labor, through my childbirth education company, PillowTalk® and online via my community website, Stork Site. And I know I have been able to have a positive impact. My heart warms when a woman, with a child (or two or three) in tow, makes a beeline across the street to say, “Tori, do you remember me? You were with me eight years ago when my son was born, “ or “Thanks! We learned so much in your classes. They made such a difference for us.” What could be more fulfilling?

I have always wanted to reach out to more women through a book and the time finally presented itself.

What makes this book special to you?

It is truly a work from my heart. It is not merely a resource. It is something that I have wanted to do for many, many years. It is also something that was difficult for me to complete. While I was writing the book, my life took a heart-wrenching turn. The love of my life, my husband Ray, was shockingly diagnosed with terminal cancer. At the time, our son, Alexander was 3 ½ years old. After a grueling course of chemotherapy, Ray died 14 weeks later. I wasn’t certain I could finish the book, but knowing how happy Ray was for my opportunity to write it helped me continue. Ray was my best friend and best critic, and his strength and spirit will always guide me. The Joy of Pregnancy stands a monument to his enthusiasm for the work I so love.

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

It is simply different than the most popular books out there. It is warm and contemporary. Because I actively work with pregnant women, the information is absolutely current and sound. So many books focus on the negative possibilities and that is simply unfair to women. I focus on the realistic experiences that women may have and present information in a positive way. I talk about how normal most of what women experience is. I also share a lot of myself in the book and it is very personal and honest. My goal with The Joy of Pregnancy is to help women in the most non-judgmental way possible prepare for their babies. The book is fresh, uplifting, funny and empowering.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Pregnant women and their partners or women in the “planning to be pregnant” stage of their lives. It is designed to be a guide for them to use from the moment they become pregnant or even when they are thinking about being pregnant. I have written the book in a very conversational and easy to follow way. Each chapter corresponds to the month of pregnancy that a woman is in. People close to me who have read the book tell me that it sounds just as though I am speaking. And I think I speak more comfortably than I write! I hope women can feel as though they have a trusted companion walking with them through their pregnancies.

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

I feel as though I am constantly carry on conversations in my head. Often, I find myself talking aloud as well. I also can only write when I feel passionate about something and then the words seem to come easily. Otherwise, it is almost impossible for me to write. What I have found works best for me is to just let the words come out without worrying about how the sentence reads or whether or not it makes sense. That is what revisions are for. I also don’t write small amounts over long periods of time. I write big chunks all at once. Deadlines are very motivating for me.

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

I feel I am much better at speaking with people than writing. I like the human interaction so it was hard, at times for me to sit alone in front of the computer. Although, over half the book was written after Ray died and I was really unable to interact with people at that time. Writing the book truly was the best thing for me.

Some people are writers who can write about any topic—they simply love the process of writing. That isn’t me. I need the desire and passion behind it. Sometimes I felt as though I had “homework” and that was quite a stumbling block. I had to let go of that.

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

Having something to say or enjoying the process. For me, my motivation was to transfer all that was in my head and heart to the page. I wanted to reach out to more people with something I could share. It isn’t easy to be sure that your voice comes through, even after editing. That was very important for me and I can honestly say that my voice shines through in The Joy of Pregnancy.

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

We spend time in the summers in a small community on Lake Michigan. This summer I posted flyers on trees and in small kiosks to let my neighbors know about it. There is even a copy in our tiny, local soda bar.

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?

For a very long time, I have been able to really connect with this audience. On a very visceral level I understand pregnant women and am able to share that ability with them in a very personable and supportive way. I have attended several thousand births and have seen nearly every situation imaginable and I currently work in a very well respected, family centered women’s hospital in San Francisco.

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 :)

It is different. It is practical and it is fresh. It presents information in a non-judgmental way so that women have the resources to make decisions that are best for them. My dream is to bring about a change in the negativity that so often surrounds childbirth, in this country. Why is it that there is so much polarization in how women should experience their pregnancies and especially what should and should not happen during labor and birth? There are so many “opinions” about what the “right or better” choices are. The truth is that all those opinions do is create guilt for women. Of course, we want to do what is best and it simply unfair for women to feel as though a reasonable choice they make is not the “right” one.

There are certainly other really great books out there. I simply encourage potential readers to give this one a look to see if it is right for them.

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

This topic is everything that is me. I don’t for a minute say that I know everything. I really don’t’ want to give the impression that I do. I simply have had a lot of experience and hope to share that in a positive way through The Joy of Pregnancy. Among the best-selling books, I continue to discover plenty of opinions and biases and medical information presented in a way that creates worry and fear. This book, I hope, does not do that. Much of what is written is alarmist, outdated and impractical. The Joy of Pregnancy is contemporary, very realistic, honest and positive. It speaks to today’s women.

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.

One of the things that the book does focus on is practicality, particularly related to what is useful to buy and what is and is not necessary in preparing for the new baby. In today’s economy this is very relevant. People are working harder and harder and there is a tremendous amount of marketing targeted to this audience. I talk a lot about how to spend less and focus on things such as spending money on wholesome food and buying for the long-term and borrowing for the short term.

There is also such frenzy and focus in the media related to celebrity pregnancies. The book really addresses some of the unrealistic expectations magazines and the media place on pregnancy, weight gain, postpartum and baby care. We talk about what is real for women.

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

I just want to say, come join me. I welcome women to read and learn and take from the pages of The Joy of Pregnancy anything that they find to be helpful. Feel free to leave the rest.

“The ride is great. There is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. Babies are unbelievable, and humor is the ingredient that keeps us sane and happy.”

Thanks so much for allowing me to share all of this with you and your readers.

~~ Warmly, Tori Kropp

Do You Have a Product or Service You Want to Promote

This blog can now be used to promote books or other items or services. Read on for information and contact me with any questions.

To submit information for a specific product, service or topic - use these questions. You can feel free to replace the words "this topic" with the name of your product or service. I need you to answer the questions below and send the answers to me. This works best if you copy the questions into a document, answer the questions, save as a RTF (rich text file) and email them to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. Please list "Start With the Facts" in the signature line. You can also send a picture of the product if you would like me to include it with your post. I look forward to learning more about you.


Topic to Discuss - ___________________
1 - How did you get interested in this topic?
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to the topic?
3 - What advise would you give to someone who is interested in yourtopic?
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups andorganizations that discuss this topic? My first thought would be networkingopportunities and the chance for personal or business growth. What areyour reasons?
5 – What products do you offer would help a person who is interested inthis topic?
6 - Who is the ideal person for these products? If each person thatreads this was going to recommend these products to one person, what sortof person would they want to chose?
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for peoplewho want to learn more about this topic?
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator to learn more about thistopic?
10 - Who is the “perfect” person to delve into this information?
11 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Those questions are only slightly different from what I had and I'mgoing to add them as an alternative way to post for this blog :)