Interview with Fiction Author Michaela Riley

Michaela Riley was born in 1960 and grew up in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia in a town that borders the Ohio River and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills.

As a child Riley would spend most of her time reading every book she could carry home from the school library. She admits, “Being a writer was a fairytale for some else’s life. Then I found a story that needed to be told.”

Riley left West Virginia to join the Army in 1981 and quickly realized that the quiet life of West Virginia was very different than the screaming platoon sergeant. She decided early in her military career that she would go to college and that law was her first career choice.

During her college years and after completion of her active duty tour during the Gulf War, she supported herself in a variety of healthcare positions. She plans on retiring from the Army Reserves this year and smiles as she says, “It was the best job and career I have ever had. I love my country.”

Nearly twenty six years later Riley has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Master of Business Administration degree. She has been practicing as a Registered Nurse for almost twenty years and is the CEO of her own Professional Development Company.
Riley began to pursue writing when she was had the misfortune of spending time in a local court room. Research revealed increasing rates of plea bargaining and malicious prosecution. “I have always been an advocate for people in need. When your right to speak for yourself is prevented, something has to be done. The story must be told, everyone has a story. Writing has become something I am passionate about and I am working on two other fiction novels.”
Riley lives near the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She has a son (born in 1977) and a Labrador retriever. When not writing, Michaela gardens, cooks, and enjoys the outdoors with her family. Her favorite pastime is spent reading, going to movies or walking on the beach.

You can visit her website at www.michaelariley.com. 

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Michaela. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? First time published author.

Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)? Embittered Justice

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

The first book written was entitled “No Voice”. This is actually the first draft of Embittered Justice. The name was already registered with another author so I had to change the title and some elements of the book.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

No rejections for Embittered Justice, received 5 offers to publish the book. What an amazing feeling!

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

The first book, Embittered Justice was published by Publish America. The publisher was chosen because it came down to price and they were free. There are numerous publishers out there and selecting a publisher is a difficult task. My first choice was Tate Publishing, unfortunately their offer came after I had already signed a contract with Publish America.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

It felt surreal; like it must be someone else’s life…it was and still is amazing to get to tell a story that can invoke feeling and passion for the subject matter. Celebration was a bottle of wine with some very supportive friends, talking about the process of getting published.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Much to my chagrin, the publisher did not handle marketing…they did list the book on various sites, amazon and barnes and noble. The rest has been my choice. Creation of the web site, placing ads, blogs, radio advertising and virtual tours have been the first level of promotion with press releases. It has been a very busy two months!

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Yes and no. Being a first time author doesn’t afford the luxury of having a large selection of publishers. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share Embittered Justice with readers. I am certain I would have waited for the contract from another Publisher if I had this to do over again.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

No other books published at this point but plan on releasing the sequel to Embittered Justice in the fall of 2008.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?

Definitely recommend getting the book professionally edited before submission. If at all possible get some book reviews when the editing is completed. Once a book and cover goes to print it is difficult to make changes.

What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Would have avoided the first print of Embittered Justice with typographical and grammar errors. The realization that the publisher didn’t do this came when I held the book in my hands for the first time. Wow, what a lesson to learn.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

I have an increased awareness and knowledge about the publishing and book promotion aspects of first time authors. I am writing an e-book to help other first time authors get this accomplished in an easy to follow plan. It has been a journey that has prepared me for writing and promoting many books.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be? I have had many professions before this, registered nurse, soldier, manager, CEO, now author. I don’t want to do anything else but write and have the opportunity to inspire others.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

This is the best of both worlds! I can still practice nursing and write. I love my life!

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Several best selling books, speaking engagements, e-books…loving life. Sharing my life with family and friends at the beach house.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Dream, imagine and believe it can be possible! It’s okay to not live life by the standards of others. Being an author is an incredible opportunity to tell the stories that inspire and have changed us to be the people we are today. Publishing has changed so much that virtually anyone can get published. Make the decision to finish that book, create the life you want now.

Interview with Nonfiction Current Events Author Joel Richardson

Joel Richardson is the author of Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah, a bestselling comparative analysis of Biblical and Islamic Eschatology and the co-author of God’s War Against Terror with Former Palestinian, Terrorist Walid Shoebat. Joel has lived and worked in three countries in the Middle East and has been involved in Christian Muslim interfaith dialogue since the mid 90s’. Due to his involvement in interfaith dialogue, Joel has received death threats to his life and to the life of his family. As such, Joel uses a pseudonym whenever writing or speaking on themes related to radical Islam. Besides writing, Joel also travels, giving lectures and seminars on issues such as the threat of radical Islam, Islamic apocalyptic belief and human rights. Joel is also a successful self-employed artist.

You can visit his publisher’s website at www.wnd.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Joel. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Thanks you. My first book was published through a Print On Demand (Vanity) Publisher called Pleasant Word Books. Pleasant Word is an excellent publisher for Christian authors who have something that they wish to get out there but do not have any previously published books or the energy to self-publish. To my surprise, Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah sold over ten thousand copies in the first two years. For a Print on Demand book, this is virtually unheard of, particularly in light of the fact that I did almost no marketing or publicity apart from my blog an occasional radio interview, all of which sought me out. Why We Left Islam, my second book was a fairly easy project. It is a collection of two dozen stories from those who have left Islam and why they left. Because I am the co-editor and not the “author” per se, there was much less work involved in this book. My third book, God’s War on Terror is co-authored with Walid Shoebat, and was far and away the most involved project that I have yet worked on. The final result is just over 200,000 words, roughly 800 pages. I also have a few books that are partially written which I may or may not complete in the future.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

Antichrist was rejected by about five or six publishers before I went with a Vanity Publisher. Had I known about LuLu.com, I would have likely used them.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

I expected the rejections for several reasons. Within the Christian market, books that are published are most often those that are authored and supported by a minister with a large public ministry and following. In the midst of my frustrations, I did some research and discovered that there are roughly twenty published books that are related to the subject of God and Golfing; gift books or meditations for Christian golfers etc. To me this said a lot about the market that I was trying to break into. As such, while I did give the various mainstream Christian publishers a chance, I was fairly well prepared to self-publish fro the get go. In retrospect, any publisher would have done well if they had taken my book. I knew that it was good and relevant and as such, the rejections didn’t particularly bother me.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

As I said, I wnet with Pleasant Word Books, because they offered all that I needed: Cover Production, copy editing, warehousing and they also offer book returns which makes it possible for bookstores to carry a POD book.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

I was happy to be done and to have the book in my hands but I can’t say that I really celebrated. I think I took my wife and kids out to eat and we all celebrated that daddy wasn’t going to be on the computer so much anymore. I also started jogging to shed all of the “book weight” that I had put on.

What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Literally nothing. I started a blog and began posting articles. I made sure that the link to the blog was on the last page in large letters. Because the book took off so well, I soon had quite a gathering of regular readers. Today I have roughly eleven thousand visitors per month from all over the world.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I think I would have gone with Lulu.com. I f I had simply created my own cover and done my own editing, which I ended up doing anyway, I would have saved a few thousand dollars. I may not have sold quite as many books, but I would still have done better in terms of expenditures. In the end, nobody compares to Lulu in terms of economy production.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I’ve learned a lot. The final stages of editing are always the most tedious, but the most crucial. I’ve learned a lot about self-publishing and all that goes into it and certainly some tricks. Having now worked with an agent and having been published by a mainstream publisher, I have also learned several lessons there as well. In the end, no matter which way one goes, I think that one should make every effort to produce a work that is perfect and rely as little as possible on anyoe else to “fix” your work. While the editors at World Net Daily did an excellent job, in the future, I will always avoid the mind-set that says, “Oh the editor will take care of that.” Its better I believe to go that extra mile and make your work perfect by your standards and then let the editor catch only those things that you may have missed.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I did choose that other profession, which is an artist. I love painting and hate writing. But because I write about sisues that I am very passionate about, and feel are very important, I have the ability and drive to push through and get the work done. But I would always rather be painting.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I hope that I never have to give up my art. It will always be my first love.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Ideally, I would love to see myself and my family freed up to travel and work with orphans and the persecuted Church in the third world.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Some people say that one can either read or write. I disagree. I believe that if one wishes to write that they must also read. Read everything that there is to read about the entire process. I will not say to “never give up” or any other such platitudes. Instead, if you really dream of being published then make it happen and whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might. Someone once said that if you do what you love, then you will never work one day in your life. I say nonsense. If you wish to do what you love, you must work to make that happen. And beyond that, I would also say that you should only write about that which you are passionate about. Write about things that matter and all of your efforts will be worth it.

Happy Mother’s Day!

To my mother who left this realm 35 years ago and to all mothers still sticking it out and trying the best they can to become the most wonderful mothers in the world…

Happy Mother’s Day!

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Andrew Jalbert

Award winning freelancer Andrew Jalbert has been a professional archaeologist and scuba instructor for over 15 years. During that time, he has worked throughout the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, Central America, Southern Africa, the Florida Keys, and Hawaii. His work focuses on tropical subjects–both above and below the water–and he is a regular contributor to scuba diving, natural history, fitness, and travel magazines. Andrew currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. You can visit his website at www.jalbertproductions.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Andrew. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Although I have been publishing articles in magazines for the last ten years or so, West Across the Board is my first book, as well as my first work of fiction. I am working on a second novel that–with some luck–should be completed in early 2009.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

When I was in my early 20s, I started work on a book titled, “Within.” At the time, I was working for an archaeological research company that was excavating a turn of the century burial site near a poor farm that housed victims of the Spanish influenza. I often wondered about the stories behind the people whose bones we were analyzing and began work on a fiction piece that chronicled several people from the time of contracting the illness to their deaths and later, the archaeologists who uncovered them. I still think it was a pretty good story, but the truth is, I was pretty young and hadn’t yet developed the writing skills necessary. It still sits on my hard drive and one of these days, I’ll think about revisiting it.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

As I recall, my rejections numbered somewhere around 70. While that number sounds high (and it is) I’ve heard countless stories of successful authors whose numbers were much higher. Needless to say, it can be an extremely humbling experience!

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

This is a great question, and one I’m sure every author has struggled with. I think the task of finding a publisher can be as daunting as writing a manuscript, perhaps even more so. Chances are, most authors write a book because…well…they’re writers. But being a writer doesn’t make you a marketer. Writing a book and marketing a book to a publisher are two very different animals. In my case, I made countless mistakes during the marketing process, however I learned something from each of them and I feel confident that when I pitch my next novel, I will be more prepared.

In hindsight, writing and trying to publish my first book was a great test of my tenacity. As a freelance writer, I’d already been exposed to rejection letters and managed to push through them to become a regular contributor to several magazines. But when I decided to write and pitch a novel, I wasn’t prepared for the quantity of rejections. There was a period of several months in which I seemed to get at least one “dear author” rejection letter every day. And using the word “letter” is being generous. Often, the rejections would be a Xeroxed, quarter sheet of paper (mailed back to me with the postage I provided) with a few sentences saying they weren’t interested.

After enough rejections, I was faced with an unsettling question: Was my novel any good? I, like so many other writers, had put so much time, energy and thought into it that an answer of “no” was utterly deflating. I may have had a bit of an advantage when faced with this question because I’d published quite a few magazine articles before, but there are only so many rejections you can face before the question is asked. My answer–and ultimately “how I overcame the blows”–was to go with a small POD publisher and see what the readers and reviewers thought before deciding.

Now, a year later, I’m glad I made that decision. Reviews from magazines, newspapers and book reviewers have been very good and the feedback from readers has been touching. I am already well into my second novel and had I given up on the first one, I never would have started.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

As I just mentioned, I decided to go with a POD publisher. I chose iUniverse because I liked the quality of their products and they offered great editorial services. It was important to me that readers had a variety of easy choices when purchasing my book and iUniverse made it available for sale in several locations including Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The only down side is that much of the marketing burden fell on me.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Truthfully, the first thing I felt when I opened up my box of author’s copies and picked up the book was relief. I was relieved that it was finished and that I’d seen it through. West Across the Board had made the transformation from an idea to a reality and that was somehow calming. The book was a tangible thing now and I could get to work on marketing and getting reviews. Don’t get me wrong, these things made me nervous, but the process seemed much more controllable. The question I’d talked about earlier (Was my novel any good?) would be answered soon enough, but at least I’d finished it. And that was a lot easier to swallow than never getting it out there and always wondering.

Shortly after its publication, my wife Becky planned a surprise party for me at a local Jamaican restaurant. When I showed up, I found all of my friends and family waiting for me with gifts and copies of the book for me to sign. Writing can be a lonely experience, so having everyone close to me show up with heart-felt congratulations was a great way to start things out.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Initially, I did what most authors probably do: I sent emails to everyone I’d ever met asking them to read it. While that sounds like a fairly unambitious first step, it was a good start. Most of them bought it, read it, recommended it to their friends and so on. Within a couple of months, I was going to book clubs that had chosen my novel to read. During this time, I was also contacting book reviewers, magazines and newspapers to review he book which also turned out to be a great marketing strategy.

With an eye on online sales, I also set up pages in popular networking sites such as MySpace and sites that catered to book readers and authors. This too proved successful. By networking with other authors, reviewers and people who had an interest in my novel’s setting (the book takes place in the Florida Keys) I was able to get the word out and ultimately sell more books.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Not to sound cliché, but if I knew then what I know now…Let’s just say that I will be taking a more refined approach when pitching my next book. But knowing what I knew at the time about the publishing process (which wasn’t much) I probably did the best I could. I simply needed to be a bit more patient. Writing a book takes a lot of time and when it’s finished (or should I say when I thought it was finished) I was in too much of a hurry to get it out there.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Since the publication of my novel, I’ve continued to publish magazine articles and am currently working on my second book. I don’t think it’s possible to go through the process of writing and publishing a book without growing as an author. The truth is, writing is a lot of hard work and the more you do it, the better you get. I’ve become much more aware of my specific strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Consequently, I’ve been able to work on and improve my shortcomings.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I would have gotten editors and book writing coaches involved much sooner and perhaps most importantly, I would not have submitted work before it was ready. Looking back at some of the work I submitted too early, I often find myself cringing. In spite of this, it was a great learning experience that I hope will pay off in the future.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

With regards to my novel, I would say that seeking and getting good reviews has been the most validating accomplishment since publication.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and the career path I chose (archaeology–both terrestrial and underwater–and scuba training) provided me with the experiences I needed to start down the path to a part-time freelance career. My very first publication was for a dive magazine. As my specialty for water and tropical related subject matter developed and I traveled to more locations, I branched out into travel, fitness, and natural history magazines. Somewhere along the way, I got the idea for a novel set in the same tropical environments I was writing articles about. So in the end, the careers I chose were a nice fit for someone hoping to make writing a full time career.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Although I’ve combined my career with writing, I hope to someday be able to write full time. Realistically, if this were to happen, it would most likely include a combination of freelance writing for magazines and selling novels. I still really enjoy traveling and writing articles and don’t see I time when I phase that out.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

With some luck, I hope to have written a few more books and be living part of the year in the tropics, either the Dutch Antilles or perhaps the Florida Keys. I’ve always been most productive as a writer in those environments (largely because I’m surrounded by the settings I tend to write about) but I’ll just have to wait and see what unfolds. I’m happy where I am right now however, and if nothing changes, I would still count myself lucky.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

The first thing I would say to aspiring authors is to get others involved. Self-critiquing your work is possible to a certain degree, but in the end, you’ll be best served by working with editors, coaches, and even critique groups. Find someone who will give you honest feedback (and I’m not talking about your friends or your mom!) If you don’t already have an editor (which most first-time authors don’t) you should plan on getting one. There are countless services out there, some better than others. Also, consider a writing coach. With so much time looking at your own work, things are often missed that an outside party will catch. I tried to be as open as possible to their suggestions and in almost every case, they were right on target. Having others involved also makes the process less lonely. It can be un-nerving having someone read your work at first, but if you plan on writing a book for the masses, you’ll have to get used to it.

Finally, I would say that you’ll need patience, endurance, and realistic expectations. Statistics show that only a small fraction of submitted books ever make it to publication. Have a backup plan. If you’ve gone through all the right steps (including having the manuscript professionally critiqued and edited) and you can’t find a mainstream publisher, there are smaller presses and other routes you can take to get the book in print. Keep at it and let the readers and reviewers decide.

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Interview with Karen Harrington, Author of JANEOLOGY

Karen Harrington is a Texas native who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Her writing has received honors from the Hemingway Short Story Festival, the Texas Film Institute Screenplay Contest and the Writers’ Digest National Script Contest. A graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, she has worked as a speechwriter and editor for major corporations and non-profit organizations.

She authored and published There’s a Dog in the Doorway, a children’s book created expressly for the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation’s “My Stuff Bags.” My Stuff bags go to children in need who must leave their home due to abuse, neglect or abandonement.

She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband, two children and two sneaky dogs.

JANEOLOGY is her first novel.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Karen. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

My debut novel is Janeology and it’s my first published work.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

I wrote a novel years ago called Going Native about a soldier who switched dog tags with a dead man and chose to stay behind in Vietnam, allowing his family to believe he had died in the war. John Irving said that the first novel is really an experiment to see if you can actually write a novel. That was true for me. I felt a great deal of satisfaction in completing this first novel. I don’t know that I’ll ever try and have it published, though I do sometimes toy with the idea of rewriting it, incorporating the current political environment and changing it from Vietnam to Iraq.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

There were probably somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty to forty ‘no’s’ before I got a ‘yes.” At least half of those were from agents.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Kinda heartbroken at first. I loved having my manuscript out for consideration because I could always hope that someone would find it and respond to it. If I had a mailbox full of no’s I just turned around and sent it out again so I could keep that feeling of hope. Instinctively, I knew not to take it personally. I don’t like every book I’ve ever read. Everyone’s tastes are different. And I always repeated to myself “God is my agent.” Really! I knew when it was the right time, it would happen.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

My book, Janeology, was just published last month by Kunati Books. Of course, I sent this manuscript to a lot of publishers. The wonderful thing about getting published by Kunati was that I really understood why it was THIS publisher that responded. All of its books are bold and provocative – that’s not just their slogan. So when I was accepted there, I remember thinking, “My book is in the right place, the right home.”

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Don’t you find that most celebrations of this kind involve food? For better or worse, mine do. My friends took me out for fajitas and margaritas the day I signed my book contract. Like all wonderful achievements, publication meets the expectations you had, but then it has other elements you didn’t expect (under the heading of “Oh, I wish I’d known that before!”)

What was the first thing you did for promotion when you were published for the first time?

First, I set up my website so I could begin blogging, posting excerpts and having a “store front” to direct people to. Second, I created a bookmark to use as a business card. Sometimes it’s simpler to hand someone a card with a brief description and your website than describe a whole book. Like most writers I know, I’m naturally shy so this step has been invaluable.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

No way. I’m a firm believer that the universe conspires to place you where you need to be at the moment you need to be there. At the same time my book was coming out, a good friend of mine had his book coming out from a big New York publishing house. We’ve traded experiences from my small press to his large company. Certainly, there are key differences in what each firm can accomplish. But one of the key differences is that I’ve had almost daily contact with my publisher – ranging from news and advice about the industry to specifics about my novel. I honestly cannot think of a better first-time author experience.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

No, my second novel hasn’t been published. Funny thing, I thought it was ready to be submitted months ago. But the way I’ve grown reflects the fact that I now understand why and how it’s not ready, how I can refine it even more, how I’ve discovered ways to up the ante on this story. And more importantly, I can now better see my own writing as a “reader.” That’s a gift I wish I had years ago.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I don’t think I could have sped up the process. I had to grow and learn. But the single biggest thing I did to help myself was to hire a professional editor to review and edit my manuscript. Once I saw her edits and the questions she asked to make me go farther into the story, I knew my story was rising to the next level. And it did. Two months after I completed those edits and sent the revised manuscript out, two publishers called.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Putting to use the business acumen I developed in corporate America. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last five years, which is a wonderful job. But now, I am bringing back many of the skills and talents I once used everyday and putting them to work for myself.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I worked as a speechwriter for a number of years. I find myself missing that role from time to time. If the opportunity every presents itself, I might return to it, especially in the political arena. Speechwriting is such an interesting art form. I’d almost like to see what I could do with it now that I’ve been writing fiction for so long.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Boy, I’m running the risk of sounding very corny, but the answer to that is this: I don’t think one can give up being an author anymore than she can give up being brown-eyed. If you have a drive to write, you write whether it makes you a living or not. Maybe that writing will be done for a company or a fictional story, but you’ll always be a writer.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Interestingly, I have discovered that the fourth or fifth novels of my favorite writers were their masterworks. In ten years, I’d like to think I’m on the same path of those I admire. And, I wouldn’t mind being on that path, say, near the ocean.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Begin.

Trust the moment when you know instinctively you are on to something in your story. You will have to return to that day many, many times to keep going.

Hire an editor as least once. It’s like taking a master’s class on your novel. You may be good, but she can make you better.

Keep sending out your manuscript. Always have it out there for consideration.

Stay humble.

Interview with R. Leigh, Author of THE WINDS OF ASHARRA

Author R. Leigh is a mystery to local neighbors, appearing enigmatic and ageless, and wearing an ever present red crystal pendant. Some have guessed this author’s secret other-worldly origin, speculating that the tales of Asharra might somehow be true. Outskirts Press does not confirm this and will not comment on rumors that the manuscript for this novel appeared in their offices out of nowhere.

You can visit her website at www.thewindsofasharra.com.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, R. Leigh. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Thank you. My published novels are 3 Passports to Paradise , a science fiction novel published in 1999 (now out of print) and The Winds of Asharra, a combination fantasy and romance novel, just recently published. I’ve also done a handful of sci-fi/fantasy short stories for obscure regional markets.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I had shopped 3P2P around to a couple of publishers before deciding to go with an obscure startup micro press so the rejections were few. Given the brief length of 3P2P (really more of a novella), I quickly decided that it might be more appealing to a smaller niche publisher.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

I look at rejections a little differently than most people. While I still might be subject to a brief flash of frustration, to me, it is all about the book finding its “proper” audience. If a particular venue is not “right”, it might have far more to do with the particular style or type preferred by a publisher than anything to do with the individual novel submitted.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

3P2P was published in 1999 by a small micro press which is now out of business. It was a startup which aimed to target new sci-fi authors. That seemed to be glove fit at the time.

Ten years later, I chose to self publish the 600 page opus, The Winds of Asharra (with Outskirts Press) because I instinctively knew that I had created something very difficult to classify. It has more than enough fantasy elements (intelligent trees, evolved felines, musical dragons, etc..) to be considered a fantasy, but enough sizzle to be seen as a romance (with multiple happy couples by the end). It also spends considerable time outlining a complicated alien philosophy and culture . In short, it would appeal to several different demographics across genres (fantasy, romance, New Age) but it would be difficult to market due to this very reason. I did not even attempt to pitch it to traditional publishers as of result of this.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

I was of course elated at the prospect and I recall that my spouse and I went out to dinner at a local restaurant, something expensive with all of the trimmings. I can’t recall more since it was so long ago, but I can still recall the feeling of elation and euphoria.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

No, but perhaps I would have chosen a publisher who would still be around, one with more resources to support the work.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Publishing The Winds of Asharra in late March has been a monumental event in my life, both as an author and as a person. I definitely did grow and change significently during the almost ten year gap between novels. When I was “away” from writing during that time, I was experiencing life in many unusual ways and in several unusual locales, amassing experiences and widening my viewpoint on life in general. That was more than evident when I felt compelled to write The Winds of Asharra (called WOA by its fans).

If my first novel had been crafted by the numbers, a serious product of one hemisphere of my brain, then WOA was the complete opposite. It flowed freely from me, almost effortlessly, in direct contrast to the previous novel. Given the fact that WOA is 608 pages, compared to the paltry 178 of the previous work, I found that amazing.

Yet, more important to me was the fact that WOA was something of a nexus for development in my life (and even the life of my spouse). The Winds of Asharra, is not only a combination fantasy and romance novel. It also contains a complex fantasy philosophy (the Asharran ways) and culture. I confess that my own worldview (and that of my spouse) is a mirror image of the mystical yet optimistic ways of the Asharrans. If my talents as an author grew at all in those ten years, it is reflected not only in the unique characters and setting in WOA (making it difficult to even properly classify) but also the underlying worldview both in the novel and my own life, thanks to my life experiences.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Actually, other than picking a publisher that would have remained solvent, I don’t think I would have done anything differently. At that point in my life I was writing with my head and not my inner being. I was a different person then and my decisions were in tune with who I was, someone following the established rules (especially when they made sense). I don’t think anything could have increased the speed of things since I had to grow as a person and I simply did not have the depth of life experiences at that time.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Since I am now following an Asharran type of worldview, one of non-competitiveness (perhaps a bit rare for an author) my accomplishments are subtle inner ones rather than grandiose outer ones. Just feeling that there is a “world” and a “cast of characters” so rich and complex at my disposal thanks to WOA, ready to share their adventures in future novels, is my proudest accomplishment.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Difficult question. Perhaps college professor as I like to talk as well as write (can’t you tell?)

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I am thrilled where I am now and content on a variety of levels. If it sounds almost mystical then you are reading it correctly. While WOA can be viewed as pure entertainment or perhaps as a genre bending work, appealing to both fantasy and romance fans, it is also much more. While intended to be entertainment, it also speaks to the reader and reassures him/her not to give up their ideals. We say in the book (in Asharran terms) that the only way to fail is to give up. By that definition, I know I will not fail.

I suppose long winded book promotion might qualify as pseudo-professorial but seriously, I would not change anything. I am thrilled with what I am doing.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

With any luck, I will be working on number 10 in the Winds of Asharra series. It is odd and perhaps due to the strange and easy way that WOA flowed onto my computer, but I honestly have no desire to write any other locations or characters. I have found a universe that is truly Home (the very definition of my world, Asharra) and I think it would take at least ten years to fully explore all of the nooks and crannies that my characters are pointing out to me.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Sure. Appropriately, it’s also something that the main character is told: Learn as much as you can, and then spend as much time forgetting it all. After learning the nuts and bolts of your craft, learn to trust your inner mind and your heart. Don’t write about what you know. Write about what you feel. For me, that is the adventure, the romance and the optimism of the world of Asharra. As my characters say, I’ve allowed myself to be carried along by the Winds, and in doing so, anything is possible. Again, you can only fail if you give up. There is no other definition for me.

Thanks for having me here.

Interview with Tony Robles, Author of JOEY GONZALEZ, GREAT AMERICAN

Tony was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. His mother was a divorced high school dropout. The family was poor and they lived in gang and drug infested neighborhoods. But Tony’s mother never blamed their circumstances on anything other than her poor decisions. She taught her kids that the keys to rising above poverty were education and hard work.

Tony graduated from a segregated high school - all boys, all poor, mostly black. By today’s affirmative action standards, he should have been doomed to failure. All the cards were stacked against him: poor, Hispanic, spoke mostly Spanish, no father, bad neighborhoods, segregated high school.

If Tony had bought into that simpleminded malarkey he might have thrown up his hands and given up. But in those days there was no affirmative action, no English as a second language programs – nothing and no one to convince young Tony that his ancestry or his poverty were going to make it hard for him to learn. Instead, he had a mother whose unshakable optimism inspired him to study, learn and to dream of a bright future.

Of course Tony understood there was racism and prejudice. He was keenly aware that there were people who thought less of him because of his ancestry. But Tony’s mother made sure he never bought into the negative stereotypes; she did not allow him to become prejudiced against himself. Tony has pursued and lived the American dream as his mother promised, through education, self reliance and hard work.

Tony served four years in the U.S. Navy and came out E-5 (second class petty officer) qualified in submarines. He had a successful 27-year career in the U.S. Customs Service and retired as a supervisory criminal investigator.

Tony and his wife, Yolanda (his best friend of nearly 30 years) raised a daughter and a son and have a granddaughter. Through his words and by his example Tony always tried to teach his kids the important lessons he received from his mother; in his own way he gave his children his mother’s beautiful dream.

Tony wrote Joey Gonzalez, Great American to pass his mother’s dream to all children. He says of his mother: “She’s gone now, but her dream lives on, not only in the five children she raised but in the dozens of kids she befriended and loved and nurtured over the years. Our apartment was always filled with kids who loved my mother and called her Mom. She taught all of us the same thing: be proud of your heritage, stay in school, get a good job, work hard and you will succeed.”

Tony dedicated this book to his mother. He wishes she had lived to see it.

You can visit his website at http://www.joeygonzalez.us/.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Tony. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Joey Gonzalez, Great American is my only published book and my first children’s story.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

I wrote a personal essay (not a book), “The Last Voyage of the USS Sunfish”, that was published in the National Submarine Review. The essay is posted online at the website of the USS Sunfish (SSN 649). The crew of the Sunfish has made it a tradition to read the essay at every reunion and there are always moist eyes in the room. The Last Voyage of the USS Sunfish is a powerful piece because I wrote it from the heart. When I wrote Joey Gonzalez I did it the same way. Joey Gonzalez is a good story simply because it’s real and it’s passionate and it comes from the heart. One of the ladies who helped me translate Joey into Spanish said it made her laugh, it made her cry and it made her a little bit angry. Those are exactly the emotions I felt as I wrote the story. I still can’t read it without choking up.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

No rejections for Joey Gonzalez, Great American. I submitted it to one publisher and scored.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

I was prepared for a rejection. I almost could not believe it when the story was accepted for publication.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

I learned about World Ahead Publishing and their Kids Ahead conservative children’s books and I was intrigued by the idea of teaching conservative values through children’s literature. I had an idea for a story about affirmative action told from a kid’s point of view. I submitted the story to World Ahead because I felt this publisher would have the vision and the courage to take on such a controversial subject.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

I got very excited when the publisher accepted the story and then the long process leading up to the contract began. By the time I finally signed the papers I didn’t feel like celebrating. I felt emotionally drained. I still haven’t celebrated. I’m waiting for the first royalty check. Then I may pop open a bottle of bubbly.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Several months ago, before the book was published, I dropped in unannounced at a bookstore where a group of kids were having a book discovery event. I did an impromptu reading and the story was very well received. I believe I could have sold 50 copies if they had been available. I have since contacted another bookstore and I’m scheduled to read during their Children’s Book Week. It will be attended by parents, teachers and librarians as well as kids. This time Joey Gonzalez will be on the shelves. I’m hoping to pack the room and sell lots of books.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I have no training in writing children’s literature. I wrote the story in one draft with no revisions. I sent it to one publisher and it was accepted for publication. I’ve read about and heard about people having that kind of experience but I never thought it could happen to me. If I had it do over again, would I do it differently? No.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I have an idea for another kid’s story. I wrote a rough draft and brainstormed it with the illustrator and we think it’s doable. But I’m not going to do any serious writing until I’m completely done with Joey Gonzalez, finished with all the promotion and the touring and accomplished my mission of getting the message out to the kids. Have I grown as an author? Actually, I don’t feel like much of an author. I wrote one story. It was in my heart and I let it out. It was like uncorking a bottle or opening a box. I suspect if I try to do this again it will not be as easy. That’s when I’ll grow.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Speeding things up would not have been good. The timing of this story could not have been better. Race relations and affirmative action seem to be in the news every day. Joey Gonzalez, Great American takes on the issue with a fresh and unique perspective. To my knowledge no one has ever written anything in children’s literature, or any literature, that challenges affirmative action with such a positive and inspiring message. Ironically, unlike the so called affirmative action programs, like “race norming” of test scores and rigged college entrance exams, Joey Gonzalez with its message of ethnic pride, personal pride and self reliance stands out as a truly affirmative action. It is a story whose time has come.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

The biggest accomplishment is still in progress. I’m delivering an important message to children. Writing the book was just the beginning. Now comes the hard part – getting the message out to the kids. My dream is that in the future at baby showers for black and Hispanic mothers it will become a tradition for someone to bring a copy of Joey Gonzalez, Great American. But my biggest dream (and the publisher won’t want to hear this) is that someday, the sooner the better, the Supreme Court will overrule affirmative action, and Joey Gonzalez, Great American will become irrelevant and will be seen merely as a curiosity, an interesting footnote in the history of a great nation.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Looking back at my life it is clear that every milestone was preparation for writing Joey Gonzalez. I believe my life experience made it inevitable that I would write this story. It was not a matter of choice.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I have a great life. I work part time at home transcribing recordings, a skill I perfected in wiretap rooms and undercover operations during my career as a customs agent. I enjoy transcription. It relaxes me and earns a few extra dollars that I happily spend on bicycle gear and other toys. I also enjoy writing. Now I have a children’s book published and a shot at publishing a few more. I have a close friendship with a very talented illustrator and we enjoy working together. What more could I ask for?

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I’ve reached a point in life where I don’t plan that far ahead. If God grants me ten more years, I pray He will allow me the strength to continue doing what I love best, riding my bicycle with the road stretching miles ahead, the sun warm on my back and the hills rising to meet my throbbing heart.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Write from your heart. Write with courage. Don’t pull any punches. Never try to hide behind your words.

Interview with Charlotte Barnes, Author of THE MANSFIELD LIGHTHOUSE CATS

Charlotte Barnes is a proud 1993 graduate of Florida State University. She is a former teacher who began writing when she was between day jobs. She loves college football, and a good nap when she can get one! You can visit her website at http://www.charlottebarnesonline.com/ or her blog at www.charlottebarnesonline.com/apositiveplace.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Charlotte. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I’ve published three books and a fourth’s on the way!

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

My first book was “Creative Mojo: The Brainstormer’s Book of Gift Ideas for Anytime.” It was published in 2005.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I went through 30-50 rejections approximately, and then PublishAmerica took a chance on me.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Rejection never feels good, and I could probably paper my house with the rejection letters, but find the rejection in publishing to be a little easier because it’s not face-to-face. I listen to motivational tapes when I want to motivate myself.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

My first book was published in 2005 by PublishAmerica. I liked the fact that they were open to unknown authors.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

I was very happy to get published. It was the culmination of years of work and dreaming. I tend to celebrate in small ways. I might get a smoothie, or buy myself a book I’ve wanted.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I did an interview with my local newspaper. They’ve been very supportive and therefore I always make sure they get one of the first copies of any new books. I also sent out copies to local gift stores.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Probably not. You have to get your name into the marketplace somehow. I do wish authors would get more help with marketing, though, and I say that about any publisher that might publish a book.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I have published 2 books since. I’ve picked up more about marketing and picking titles, and I have pursued different interests with each successive project.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I probably would have done more web research. I don’t think I would have sent some manuscripts as early as I did. I think I would have let them stew a little longer.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

I recently did my first radio interview on ArtistFirst Radio Network.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I would be a librarian—quiet job, still around books! Can you see a theme emerging?

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I have a day job to pay the bills (not as a librarian), but would love to write full-time in the future.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I would love to be writing full-time or doing something at a college somewhere.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

I would say pursue it with determination and a sense of urgency. Do what you can right now. Look at your situation honestly and assess your areas of weakness. Surround yourself with people whose strengths might complement you. Always encourage everyone you meet—especially your fellow writers!

Charlotte’s virtual book is brought to you by the fine folks of Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Rebecca Camarena.

THE POETRY OF MURDER by Bernadette Steele

Determined, personable, and imaginative are the words used to describe, Bernadette Steele. Throughout her life, Bernadette has used her persistent nature and quiet strength to navigate the hills and valleys of life.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bernadette moved into the International House at the University of Chicago in 2004. The multicultural environment and gothic architecture of I-House and the U of C campus inspired her to write her first murder mystery novel, The Poetry of Murder (Oak Tree Press, January 2008).

You can visit her website at http://www.bernadettesteele.net/.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Bernadette! Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I am a first time published author.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

The name of my first book is The Poetry of Murder.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I received over 80 rejections from agents and publishers before I received one acceptance.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Naturally, I was disappointed but not deterred. I continued to submit query letters and to explore other publishing options. For example, once I exhausted all of the potential agents and publishers in the United States, I was going to submit query letters to English speaking foreign agents and publishers. I knew going in that getting published was a numbers game and that if I submitted enough query letters eventually I would get published. I believed that my novel was good enough to be published. I just had to find someone else who also believed in my novel.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

My first novel, The Poetry of Murder, was published by Oak Tree Press in February 2008. After I determined that Oak Tree Press was a legitimate publisher, I accepted their offer because it was the only offer that I had. Oak Tree Press is located in Illinois and had published over twenty books prior to mine.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

It felt great. I accomplished two goals. I completed my novel, and I got it published. I celebrated by treating myself to a nice dinner, and I celebrated with a friend by having dinner and seeing a movie.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I created my author website at http://www.bernadettesteele.net, and I sent out an announcement to my warm market of friends and co-workers.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

The route that I choose was the traditional route and I believe that this is the best route. I have nothing against self-publishing, but I think that it lends creditability to a writer’s work when someone else has enough confidence in your work to invest money in its production.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I have only had one novel published. Having completed one novel, I have a better understanding of how to go about writing the novel and doing the research. I have also learned how to think beyond the novel with respect to future works and how the elements in the novel can play a part in the promotion of the novel.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I would have selected an editor with more connections in the publishing world, and when I was negotiating my publishing contract, I would have asked for more complimentary copies.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

My biggest accomplishment has been to create my author website. This task involved researching other author websites to see what the most important items were to have on it.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I have always been interested in architecture. I would have been a residential architect.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

No, I would not have given up being an author. If I had become an architect, I would still be writing.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Because I believe in thinking big, in ten years, I see myself as a best selling author, the winner of at least one Pulitzer Prize, and the writer of at least one screenplay and one television show.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

My words of wisdom for those who dream of being published would be to seek feedback from others. But try to pick people who don’t know you very well. And then pick and choose very carefully what advice you follow because when you try to please everyone, you please no one. In addition, be open to criticism but don’t let it destroy your dreams. I find that people who destroy the dreams of others, don’t have any of their own.

Bernadette Steele’s Virtual Book Tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Cheryl Malandrinos.

Interview with Don Miles, Author of CINCO DE MAYO: WHAT IS EVERYBODY CELEBRATING?

Don Miles has been News Director for radio stations in New York City, (WPAT,) Connecticut, Florida, Nebraska and finally Texas. He has won “Best Newscast” award from the Nebraska A.P. Broadcasters and his news teams in Florida and Nebraska have won numerous statewide awards. Don has served on the Board of Directors for Florida’s AP Broadcasters and has judged broadcast news contests for UPI Rhode Island. Don has taught at the Universities of Florida and Nebraska, at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and at elementary schools in New York, Connecticut, and Texas.

He is the author of two books in the field of broadcast news, (Broadcast News Handbook and Broadcast Newswriting Stylebook.) He has a Bachelors in Education from State University of New York and a Masters in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida. You can visit his website at www.donmiles.com.  

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Don. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published?

Cinco de Mayo is my third book. I published two books in the field of Radio-TV news when I was teaching broadcast journalism at the University of Florida.

Can you give us the titles of all your books?

Cinco de Mayo: What is Everybody Celebrating? (2007)
Broadcast Newswriting Stylebook (1977)
Broadcast News Handbook (1975)

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not, and if not published, why?

Broadcast News Handbook was written in 1972, after I had finished several years as a news director for a station in New York City. It came out in 1975, just as I arrived at the University of Florida in Gainesville to begin work on my Masters degree in Journalism and Communications. It later became the textbook for beginning broadcast journalists, and was used at Florida and a number of other colleges for many years.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I gave Broadcast News Handbook to a friend of the family who had worked in executive positions in publishing for a number of years. I never found out how many rejections he received. He just kept mailing the manuscript out. Finally, H.W. Sams publishing company of Indianapolis came out with it in 1975, three years after I had given it to the family friend who was acting as my agent.

How did the rejections feel, and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Fortunately, I never saw the rejections.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

H.W. Sams of Indianapolis published it. They were recommended by my agent.

How did it feel to become published for the first time, and how did you celebrate?

The publishing executive who was acting as agent came to my house in Connecticut with a copy of the contract and we had a signing ceremony. The spouses and children from both his family and mine were there, and we had a picnic supper. I felt very thrilled. I could hardly believe that it was finally being published. The finished products arrived at our apartment in Gainesville, Florida, a few months later, where we had moved to pursue my Masters degree.

What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I was just starting my Masters’ studies, so I wasn’t in a position to very much promoting. I made up for that within the next year or two when I became a professor and made it the required text for the course I was teaching! It was used at a number of other universities and community colleges.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I did have it to do over again, about thirty years later. I approached more than 40 agents with a query letter about a novel in 2004. Almost all of them rejected it or didn’t bother to answer. Finally, one of them wrote on the rejection slip that he’d like to see a nonfiction version of the book. I did one, and then he took it around to more than 30 publishers with no luck.

Have you been published since then, and how have you grown as an author?

Yes, I came out with Cinco de Mayo in November of 2006. I believe I have grown as an author, because now we are actually talking about a book, not just a manuscript. The reviews and the response from critics, librarians, museum people and educators have been very encouraging. Spanish teachers in several states are field-testing it, along with the manuscript for a Spanish translation. I am confident that it will find its market and become an “evergreen” book, a valuable resource for teachers and students for many years. A bilingual coffee table edition with maps and photos is also planned.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

What I did this last time was go to a vanity publisher to at least get a book on the table! Now, when I say I want to come out with a Spanish edition for students and a bilingual coffee table edition with photos and maps for Latin America and the rest of the world, and later with editions of that novel which I set aside in both English and Spanish, I won’t be answering questions like, “What kind of book do you think you might like to write?” We’ll start at the already-published level with great reviews and a newly-designed cover, and talk about an upgrade from there.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

With the help of a very supportive family and many new friends, I think the biggest accomplishment was being able to start a new life. My wife of 44 years died just before this latest book, Cinco de Mayo, came out. I miss her very much, but we had promised each other that the surviving spouse would get on with a positive lifestyle. The book is dedicated to her memory, and it certainly has helped me keep my promise to her.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

I’m happily retired, so I don’t have that decision to face. Still, I had a number of very interesting professions along the way. I taught third grade as early as 1958, and found myself teaching it again when I retired in 2001. I worked for radio stations, mostly as a newscaster, in the 50’s through the 90’s, and I taught broadcast news at the college level in the 1970’s and 80’s. The various editions of my book that I’m working on now are more hobby than profession.

Would you give up being an author for that profession, or have you combined the best of both worlds?

No, I’m happy being an author for now. Teaching, universities and broadcasting were all interesting and even challenging at times, but I don’t think I would want to return to them at this point.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I’ll be turning 82 in May of 2018. Right now, I can’t imagine what that will be like.  I hope it will be fun!

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Keep your day job!