I first met S.K. Falls when her title, The World of Shell and Bone popped up under The Breeders on Amazon. Once I read her book, I knew we were kindred souls. Her new release is here and I'm very excited about it. The premise is one that makes you think, "Gee, I wish I'd thought of that." Today she is she's discussing tough scenes and what they meant to her. Enjoy. 



Which was the hardest scene you wrote in Secret for a Song?

This was an interesting thing to think about because Secret for a Song  was such a challenging novel, on the whole, to write. Picking just one or two scenes was tough!

Don’t get me wrong—it’s the most emotional story I’ve ever written, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. But still, writing the novel was emotionally exhausting. This was especially because I knew from my research on Munchausen syndrome that there were people out there who had to live it every day.

On top of that I grew really attached to Saylor, and I wanted nothing more than to protect her. But I knew to really do her story justice, I had to put her through the wringer and show what pieces of her were left to come out on the other side.

So, to answer the question, I’d say one of the hardest scenes I wrote was the scene with Saylor and Drew at her family’s cabin. It’s heartbreaking because Saylor knows at that point that she wants to come clean. We get to see her measure and weigh everything she says and everything they do together in a way that she hasn’t before. It was incredibly hard to write, but was also one of the most cherished scenes I’ve written.

Another awfully hard scene to write was Drew falling outside the store when he and Saylor are getting signatures for a petition. The scene was based on research I’d done of Freidrich’s Ataxia and what people experience before they become wheelchair-ridden. You get to experience Drew’s astonishing inner strength, but you also hate that he even has to go through something like that. Again, a really difficult scene that left a big lump in my throat, but I think it was important so the reader could see the kind of man Drew is.

Thanks so much for having me here today, Katie!

Buy links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Bio:

A huge fan of spooky stuff and shoes, I enjoy alternately hitting up the outlet malls and historic graveyards in Charleston, SC where I live and imbibe coffee. My husband and two small children seem not to mind when I hastily scribble novel lines on stray limbs in the absence of notepads.

Since no writer’s biography is complete without mention of her menagerie of animals, you should know I have one dog that doubles as a footstool, a second that functions as a vacuum cleaner, and a cat that ensures I never forget that my hands are, first and foremost, for pouring cat food.

Visit S.K. Falls:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

I first met Kimberly Shursen on Review Fuse, a review site were I began my fledgling writing career, posting chapters. This spunky lady gave me what-for and I knew then I needed her straight-forward, tell-it-like-it-is critiquing if I was ever going to be a serious writer. Now, three years later, she is one of my most trusted go-to writing partners. She has just released her stunning debut, Itsty Bitsy Spider. Please welcome Kimberly. 

Katie:  Tell us about your debut novel.

Kimberly: Itsy Bitsy Spider is the story of Claire McCallin, step-daughter of a powerful Boston mayor, who, with the help of Boston Globe reporter, takes her three-year-old daughter out of the mayor’s Belmont mansion and begins the dangerous journey of taking back her power.  It is a political thriller I hope will keep the reader on edge.  We hear the many stories of child abuse (like Oprah) who were poor and helpless, but rarely hear stories of the wealthy and powerful with mental illnesses.  I thought about this for a long time before I started Itsy Bitsy Spider and knew there had to be many adult children out there who suffered abuse, but were too afraid of the person in power to come forward.  Some secrets go to the grave. Mental illness is a family disease.  Even if a secret is never divulged or, a family member suspects, everyone is affected.  The book will be available in e-format very soon.

Katie:  What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Kimberly: Both. The initial plot is in my head, but takes wings of its own after the main characters and plot are developed. I add characters and situations when they pop up into my mind and have a solid reason for adding to and moving the plot forward.

Katie:  What about editing? I know you went several rounds on your edits. How do you tackle tough edits and how do you know when a book is truly ready?

Kimberly: For me, editing is as, or even more important, than developing the novel.  To really narrow down and take a look at each sentence, each word, each passage and say “Is this what I want to say?” or “Are there words that could describe this better?”  You, Katie French, are my writing partner and, when you make a comment like “Get to the point” on the review bar, it pulls me back into writing zone and keeps me focused.  Especially on a first book, where you’re presenting yourself for the first time to readers, it is important to have a writing partner I trust and, after Katie’s input, I go back and ask myself before I start editing each chapter, “What is it I want the reader to remember in this chapter and, how can I build into the next chapter so readers don’t want to put my book down?”  After these edits are complete, the novel goes to a professional editor which involves more re-writes.

Katie:  What's on the docket next for you? What other writing projects do you have planned?

Kimberly: Hush, the present day courtroom drama that revisits the infamous Roe vs. Wade case that legalized abortion, is in the making.  Hush is a courtroom drama, but has a sub-plot that offers a thriller edge. I’ve done a lot of research and also have a lawyer friend that I bounce the legal portion of the book off of.  Abortion is a subject that has divided our nation.  However, since l973, the law has not changed.  There is also fact-based information many aren’t aware of on what happens to a fetus after it is aborted.  The book is not a no-brainer – no matter if you’re an avid pro-lifer or pro-choicer. Hush is not predictable and I hope the reader will be as torn in their decision as the jury is.  The book after this will revolve around a couple and elective euthanasia.  All of my books will have a purpose; one I hope will not just entertain, but offer something to think about.

Katie: What made you decide to take the plunge and self-publish?

Kimberly: Oh, I went the journey of writing agents. I either received a form letter or nothing back. I think I did this for a couple of months and then watched author friends take the plunge which gave me the courage to just stop!  Stop writing agents who seem to have no time to read or invest in the first book of a new author.  I stopped putting hope and trust in others, took a breath and told myself it didn’t matter who published it.

Katie:  You have a background in marketing. What are some of your best kept marketing secrets?

Kimberly: Everything under the sun has already been done.  There is a fine line in over-marketing and marketing to get readers interested.  I don’t know whether I have the key, but I started a gorilla marketing group and gathered thirty authors together.  I interview one at a time and the other 29 authors market them.  The author’s commitment is to post the interview twice a week for two weeks on all their social sites.  Some of the authors have over 3,000 friends on Facebook or linked-in and also have their own blogs.  I see posts of authors telling everyone to read their books over and over again as it’s the best book they’ll ever read.  Readers tell us if we have a good book and there is no amount of paid reviews or marketing to get our book out there if it’s not well-written.  I also invested in a press release using Piece of Cake PR.  They have sent out over 2500 dynamite press releases they wrote at an affordable price.

Katie: When you aren't writing what will we find you doing?

Kimberly: Since I left my corporate marketing position to pursue writing full-time, I keep a very strict schedule.  I treat writing like a business.  I write from six a.m. until two p.m. every day except Sundays.  There are some days I work longer, but try to balance my life.  I was widowed at a young age and family time with my sons and mother are a priority.  I used to golf five times a week but, when I lost my husband who was not only my golf partner, but an avid golfer, I don’t play as much.  I work out four times a week, read a lot, interview authors for my blog and soon, when the weather is cordial, you’ll find me outside. 

You can find Kimberly on her website and Itsy Bitsy Spider on Amazon. 

Talented British author Emma Mills has done it again. This paranormal romance author has release book three in her WitchBlood series. Audiences everywhere rejoice. To give our readers a taste of her main character, Jess, she's provided a character interview. Enjoy. 

Interviewer: Hi Jess, so we last chatted with you a year ago when you had just been turned into a vampire. How are you now, I notice your eyes have changed color?

Jess: Ha! Yeah that was a bit of a shock for the clan. (She laughs and twirls a strand of hair around her finger). What a year I’ve had, huh? Well, I guess I get the best of both worlds now.


Interviewer: Last time we spoke you basically admitted that you were a hopeless vampire. Is that still the case?

Jess: Nah… I don’t know. I guess I’ve come to terms with my new diet. I certainly don’t ever find myself craving human food anymore that’s for sure. I think Eva would agree that I’ve found my fangs!


Interviewer: So if you have come to terms with being a vampire how do you feel about the part of you that is half witch?

Jess: Now I can control my power and have my license it’s pretty awesome, but when I was just stressing out and blowing all the electricals it was a pain in the rear. I guess when you’re half and half you run the risk of not quite being accepted into either group, but in my case I have to be wary of the wrong types welcoming me, for the wrong reasons.


Interviewer: Are you talking about Brittany’s grandmother now or the Coven of the Blood Moon?

Jess: Hmm, I suppose both. The drama with Brit’s grandmother was difficult because she’s family, but the coven has supposedly been disbanded… though I’m not sure how true that is.


Interviewer: So, at the moment you are staying with your Aunt in Massachusetts. Do you have any plans to go back to the UK?

Jess: (Jess smiles shyly and resumes the hair twirling.) Yeah, I think so. At the moment Brittany is studying for her license and I think my Aunt is enjoying having us around but I miss Manchester and…


Interviewer: And there are rumours that a certain someone is back in your life?

Jess: …Maybe… there are actually several reasons for me to come back to the UK. Luke is currently up in York fighting this weird human insurgency who hates supernaturals. I want to check in on him and the Council have yet to find Mary… the vampire who killed my friend.


Interviewer: So you’re not going to answer my question about Daniel then?

Jess: Ha! Maybe… and maybe not! It’s personal. It’s hard talking about things that mean so much to me. It still feels very raw.

Emma: Thanks so much for hosting me on Underground Books. Here is the information on my new book WitchLove, which is book 3 in the Witchblood series.

With the reappearance of a lost love, Jess flees to the only people who can help her control her increasing powers and gain independence – her family’s coven. But with a bruised heart can Jess learn to forgive or will she find new love in the United States? Witchlove, the third installment of the Witchblood series, is a new adventure that takes Jess from New England to Voodoo country in the South.

My good friend and critique partner, Amy Trueblood, has a new anthology out. I read her story "Eminate" as she was preparing to send it in, and it grabbed my attention from the first. I am not surprised that she was chosen to be part of this anthology. I'd like to take a minute to celebrate with Amy and tell you a little about her exciting new anthology The Fall. Please welcome Amy Trueblood!


Katie:  An anthology of stories about the Apocalypse and events after sounds very intriguing. Tell us about the premise of this anthology. What kinds of stories are included?

Amy: The premise behind the anthology is to get many different perspectives on how the world might end and how it affects life itself.  The thirteen stories included in THE FALL are incredibly diverse. They range from a story about the destruction of government, to the hope of love after a brutal war, to a unique screenplay-version piece featuring judgment day, God and an iPhone.


Katie:  Tell us about your own story. Where did the idea come from? What's the story about?

Amy: I’ve always had a soft spot for stories about siblings and I wanted to delve into the lengths a family would go to protect one another.

“Emanate” follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Austin and his sister, Sunny, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by an alien species.  What makes the story unique is the only way the species can survive is through stealing “energy” which only comes from young girls like Sunny.  It’s a story not only about survival, but illustrates how strength can come from the most unexpected sources.


Katie: Tell us about the process for submitting your story for publication. How did it feel to find out you would be published? 

Amy: The submission process was two-fold.  I first sent in my original piece and it came back with an R&R (revise and resubmit). I worked for another few days to polish the story before re-submitting.

I wish I had a glamorous story for how I found out the piece was going to be included in the anthology, but I actually got an email when I was grocery shopping.  Yes, I was in the produce aisle, but that didn’t take away from the excitement of knowing something I’d worked so hard on was finally going to be shared with the public. It was, and still is, an exhilarating feeling!


Katie: What else are you working on?

Amy: I am in the final edit stage of my third manuscript which is a YA Contemporary Thriller.  I’m hoping to begin the query process with it in early 2013.


Katie: Any advice to writers considering submitting to anthologies like yours? 

Amy: Do your research.  Find a publisher who is not only committed to the project, but also surrounds themselves with great editors, who really want to make your story shine.  Matt Sinclair, publisher of Elephant’s Bookshelf Press, and editor of The Fall, was very “hands on” with this process. I was really impressed by how he worked with each of the contributors to ensure each piece was a credit to this anthology.  I must also give a “shout out” to my fellow authors, Cat Woods and Jean Oram, who encouraged me to edit and refine this piece until it was the best work I could do.
 
Thanks, Amy. 
You can find The Fall here. 
You can find Elephant Press here.

Amy Trueblood is a freelance writer who spends most of her time penning press releases for her favorite non-profit. When not “chasing the crazy” dream of being published, you can find her reading her favorite YA books, running, or slurping down her favorite mango iced tea. For interesting musings on writing, in-depth author interviews, and agents’ perspectives on those “first five pages” of a manuscript, check out her blog www.chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter @atrueblood5.

Highly successful indie author Rebecca Hamilton joins me today to talk about the occult, "New Adult" literature and bullying. Please welcome Rebecca Hamilton!

Katie: The Forever Girl focuses on the occult, something I haven't seen lately in young adult literature. What made you pick that as your subject material? 

Rebecca: Well, occult is one of those words I think are off-putting for some, as it sounds like "cult" (especially when you have a character who practices Wicca). Mind you, I don't think Wicca is a cult, I just realize that's a common misconception. 

However, Occult and cult have two different meanings. In fact, occult is really just another word for "supernatural". So when you think of it that way, there are a lot of young adult novels that are written about the occult. As for books written with Wiccan characters, there may be fewer of those in young adult fiction because we live in a society that is mostly Christian's who don't approve of "witchcraft" of which they include Wicca. (It's important to note that many Wiccans see Wicca and Witchcraft after separate practices, while others see the terms as inter-changable).

All that said, my novel isn't intended for young adults. It's intended for new adults (20-something-year-olds). This has more to do with content and character than to do with the Wiccan elements.


Katie: Your novel flirts the line between young adult and adult, using a twenty-two year old protagonist and some strong language. What are the benefits from straddling age groups? Any drawbacks? 

Rebecca: Yes, the novel does flirt the line between young adult and adult, which is what I intended for the new adults audience. The benefits have been that I have reached an age group that is in need. There's a lot of fiction for YA's out there and a lot of fiction for the 30+ crowd. This leads some 20-something-year-olds to read young adult books as adults, or to find it difficult to find adult books that interest them. In this way, The Forever Girl meets a demand. The other benefit is that some of the more mature young adults have read my book and that some older adults who are young at heart have enjoyed my book as well.

As for drawbacks, yes, a few. I get the people who assume the book is young adult and therefore inappropriate as well as those who assume the book is adult and therefore immature. In the end, however, I wanted to stay true to my main character. She's twenty-two and going through some twenty-two-year-old things. Of course, she's also going through some things most people will never go through as well.


Katie: We hear all the time that paranormal romance is dead. Do you find that readers are still seeking out books in that genre? 

Rebecca: I have heard that, but from what I can see, it's still alive. I think when they say a genre is dead, what they really mean is, "It WAS the top fad, but it's not anymore." Which doesn't really mean it's dead. It just means it's no longer the hottest genre on the market.


Katie:  You seem to be quite successful in marketing. Tell us your secrets. Which marketing techniques were the most successful? Which, in retrospect, weren't? 

Rebecca: I wish I knew. My book did really well early on, but over the summer, things died down a great deal. Maybe that is because I started homeschooling my kids, and so I had less time to be available to my fans and run promotions. Marketing seems to be about being everywhere at once, about being able to do the work of ten people for one product. Mostly, though, when I was marketing, what worked best for me was giveaways. Lots and lots of giveaways. I also tweet and Facebook about my book, and that includes having some games to keep people entertained.