Author Interview: Olivia Martinez

Please welcome to Feed My Need, the fabulous author, Olivia Martinez!

Author Interview

When and why did you begin writing?

Like many people, I've always wanted to write a book. One day I just decided to do it and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest? 

I, being the genius that I am, decided that for my first attempt at writing I would write it in the first person. Not one of my brighter moments. As stubborn as I am though, I didn't give up and refused to change it to another perspective. I think the easiest was making up the world I created. There are no rules but the ones you make up. It was also the fun part too.


What music do you listen to while you write?

I think I listened to just about everything writing this book. Classical, big band, dub step, Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, Top 40, and the list goes on.


What inspires you? 

As far as writing goes, it would have to be all the other indie authors out there. If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't have written my book. They were the pioneers that made it possible for the rest of us to follow in our dreams.


Do you have any hidden talents?

I love to paint and have actually sold quite a few of them.


What are your current projects?

I started Book 2 in the Mistfall Series two nights ago.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished re-reading the Ya-Ya series.


Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Shapeshifter. You don't have to rely on securing your meals.


Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just do it. Do what you love and write your book.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I definitely want to say Thank You!

Mags has lived in hiding most of her life. One of the two last jinn of her kind, she's being hunted by one of the Kings of Hades and the Elf King for her power. When one disastrous date sends her on the run, Mags knows her life will never be the same. The only question is, will she survive it?

Betrayal Promo

  When Zachariah and Matthew McCannon were young, their parents abandoned them, leaving Zack to take care of his little brother, Matt. Though they lived with their grandmother, she was always sick, so Zack was forced to raise him. This was not an easy task.

   Zack had his hands full because of Matt’s unusual powers. He has visions and dreams that come true, and when he gets angry or upset, he can move things with his mind. Because of this, evil seeks him, keeping Zack on his toes as his protector. 

    As the brothers grew older, they became hunters, pursuing evil supernatural forces. After Matthew has a dream, it sends them on a hunt for cave, not knowing why, but realizing it is necessary. When they arrive, Matt finds the vision was a trap.

    A Darkness like no other wants to control Matt and kill Zack. The Darkness is named, Alanya, which means, The Destroyer.

    Alanya hates the brothers. In the past, every time he tried to apprehend Matt, Zack would thwart him by protecting his brother. Alanya is incensed that a mere human boy can beat him, for demons are not to be defied.

    When Alanya asks Zack, “How far will you go to save your brother?” Zack answers, “As far as I have to.”

    Now, the brothers are faced with a deadly force they never had to deal with before. This demon is on a deadly mission to destroy everything the brothers hold dear. If the McCannon’s are not careful, neither of them will be able to escape.

Finding Fiona by Emily Ward

The victim of a brutal attack, Fiona remembers little about her life until she meets someone who claims to be from her past. He tells her that her parents were killed for a human replication machine. He's shocked to discover she's still alive since her body was found in the wreckage of the fire.

She soon travels to her old home in New York to figure out what happened to her and her family. She needs to find out who she is, but more importantly, confront the men who killed her parents.

My Thoughts

I sucked in from the beginning and literally couldn't put it down. I read it on my new tablet, and I seriously couldn't put it down. Every where I went, I took it with me on my tablet. I couldn't pry my fingers from it. I couldn't look away.

I HAD to read more. 

Therefore, I thought I would share with you all about this lovely, capturing book. Let's break this down . . .

Characters: Loved all the characters. Fiona was a character I could really identify with. All of the other characters were good and intriguing. Finding about Fiona and her life was interesting to say the least.

Dialogue: Straight and to the point. 

Plot: This is what literally swept me away and won me over.

Setting: I liked the small town setting at first, but then it kept moving to typical places. So it didn't do anything for me near the end. 

Ending: I think the ending was perfectly appropriate for the story. It was slightly sad, but it fit the story line.

Overall: Would I recommend this book?

Absolutely! I loved it from the beginning to the ending. I would highly recommend this book! :)

Book Spotlight: The Indigo Butterfly

THE JOURNEY THAT BEGAN WITH A DREAM...

A revealing dream lures a young woman on a quest to discover the mystery of who she is. In a triumph of the Human Spirit, this book is a reminder to follow your heart. The depth, wisdom, and compassion of this book's message will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. Rewritten as narrative vignettes from the author’s journals, this inspirational book is the kind that is needed at times like this.       

The Indigo Butterfly is the true and inspiring story of a young writer’s journey of self-discovery and a yearning for her place in the world. On the eve of college graduation the author has a revealing dream that leads to an epiphany. At the same time, Desert Storm is causing a recession throughout the country, leaving few opportunities for a new writer.

Forced to make some difficult decisions, the young woman rejects conventionality in order to follow her dream of becoming a writer. But she soon discovers that the outer voyage is interwoven with her inner journey to understand herself. While she is on the road, the writer encounters fellow travelers, teachers, mystics, artists, and unique individuals who welcome her into their communities.

The Indigo Butterfly chronicles the author’s fifteen-year odyssey across North America as retold through vignettes culled from her journals during that time. From Seattle’s lush rainforest to the mysterious islands of South Carolina, no region of the country goes unexplored in the determined writer’s quest.

                                            

                                             THE DREAM...

     A young girl with hair the color of the sun wanders through a grassy meadow bursting with colorful wildflowers. Her eyes are drawn to the cragged branches of a gnarled elderberry tree. Hovering high above her is a spectacular indigo butterfly. Sunlight dances on its iridescent wings.

     The butterfly flutters towards the clearing’s edge before disappearing into the canopy overhead. The girl searches anxiously for the path, unable to find her way in the darkness. Every shadow becomes a possible threat.

      She searches for the path by the light of the moon, yearning for a sign that will lead her out of the darkness. On the verge of collapse, the girl falls to the ground. A dark shadow approaches. The girl struggles to pull herself up from the place where she has fallen.

      A voice softly whispers, “Hello.” Resting on a rock is the indigo butterfly.

     “I am lost!” the girl cries out in fear. She covers her face with trembling hands.

     “Dear child, you are never lost.” The butterfly leads the young girl to the clearing.

      The butterfly effortlessly transforms into a beautiful maiden. Her shimmering indigo gown gleams in the moonlight, and her flowing hair smells like jasmine. Clouds of tiny lavender butterflies swirl around her. With a sweep of her hand, she gestures to the surrounding woods.

     “All writers begin their lives in the darkness, cloaked where the alchemy of transformation resides. One must allow for this precious unfolding before emerging into the light. Without it, the journey is meaningless. Soon, you will be called. Do not be afraid. When you are ready they will be waiting for you. Remember all that I have told you.”

     The maiden places an enormous book with a frayed red velvet cover into the girl’s hands. A golden tassel hangs from the spine of the book. The script has been recorded in rich, dark hues matching the maiden’s gown.

     The edge of each page has been gilded from gold, and though it appears to be extremely heavy, the book is entirely weightless. Within a moment, the book fades from her hands. The maiden raises her cloak and disappears into the fading night. The girl is alone again in the woods, but this time she can see the clearing. As she departs the forest, the wind stirs gently for a moment. On the winds of the night, the maiden’s voice calls once again:

“Go forth with the soul of an artist with the wings of a butterfly…”

Readers Are Saying:

​"The Indigo Butterfly is exquisite! I'm recommending it to everyone I know."

--S. Eaton, Managing Editor

​"I couldn't put it down. This book is a testament ​to the human spirit. Lovely."

                                                                                                     --Konda R., Publicist

"Well done... this book has it all. This  story will captivate you until the last word."

                                                                                                       --Robert, Publisher

Neglected

Guys, I know you feel neglected and abandoned and I'm so sorry about that. There are literally a million excuses in the book I can use. The fact that I have a new job along with a special surprise (I just received a kitten recently for a surprise gift) could be part of those excuses.

In truth, I don't think I've tried hard enough to keep up with this blog.

Now, don't get me wrong. I do try hard to at the very least, keep one post a week, but I could do more. I know I can.

So I just wanted to let you guys know I will try harder from now on and to let you know that I haven't neglected y'all. Things have been a little rough as of late.

Ready for the list of things that have happened? And let's bring out the time watch . . . Ready, set, go!

I recently was verbally assaulted by a student (who is strangely still in my classroom three days later). Another student threatened to blow the school up. I found out two of my students are homeless. One used to be a cutter. And another one of my students was touched in an inappropriate manner.

All of this on top of the fact that I still have a writing life to keep up (which I have started to market yesterday). And like I said previously, I have a new kitten at home with a very interesting story. But more about that when I get pictures and can dedicate a whole post for her.

She's my first kitten (I've always had dogs) and her name is Lex. 

She's kinda my sunshine in the darkness now. I know things have been glum this week, but she was the best surprise by far. 

Anyway, this post is just to let you guys and fabulous ladies know that I will try harder. I just have a lot of changes going on in my life. Please just bear with me! 

Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle

Blurb

Seven Point Eight:

The most powerful number in the universe.

The number that connects everything.

It is time to wake up....

A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the

enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the

highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an

extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project

and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a

reality-shattering discovery...

Written in the style of a TV series, The First Chronicle is the beginning of a 5 part epic which

follows the spiritual and emotional journey of five people; their quest

to understand the universe and our place within it. 

Quantum physics meets spirituality in a tale which begins in the 1940s, unfolds

during the 1960s; an era of social and spiritual transformation and

reaches its conclusion in the modern age.

It interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above

all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow.

For fans of the paranormal, big sweeping epics, metaphysics, science fiction, 'Lost', 'Fringe', contemporary fantasy, alternate realities and new age/spirituality.

It's also highly suited to Young Adult readers, who like sci-fi along with their paranormal, or those who like a more challenging read.

My Thoughts:

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I hate to say it was too detailed and "sciency" for me but that's exactly what  happened. It was just too much science and detail and not enough plot. But maybe for other folks, it may be what the doctor ordered.

Therefore, I'll list the positives and negatives:

Positives:

1. Very interesting plot:

I have to say, from the word go, this author swept me off my feet and begged me for more and more chances to delve into the plot and uncover the secret. 

2. The characters had depth

Again, the characters were interesting. I liked the main character and the other lady in the story. 

Negatives:

1. Way, way, way, wait for it . . . Way too many details

I understand as an author myself that you have to explain a lot of things. Especially in a science fiction. I am currently trying to tackle this genre myself.

However, there is just way too many details about the main character thrown at you at once. Did I really need to know his whole life story on the first few pages?

No.

So why put it there? 

Hmm.

Psst writers, this is what you call an exposition dump (when you give out all of the details about a character in the first few pages, or even in huge page-like chunks in the story). Don't do it. Just some advice.

2. Overwhelming with Science

This could just be me guys since I have a love hate relationship with science, especially with Physics. I was forced in college to take that class, and I have to say it was the most confusing science class I have ever taken in my life. So when the author started talking about, I cringed.

It's not the author's fault about my prior experiences with sciences (more like embarrassing bump ins) have been mostly negative.

However, I still didn't like how much science was in it. 

I know what you're thinking, "Silly goose, it's a science fiction!"

But (I hold one finger high in the air) to assume that the reader understands basic Physics concepts isn't asking too much? 

Hmm, that's what I thought too.

It's not that I didn't expect science in a science fiction novel, but I would like some more break down of the science part. That's all I ask. Especially since science is the weakest area, academics wise. 

3. Formatting

You guys know what I'm about to say: Chunky paragraphs.

I hate them. I loathe the very legs they stand on. I just want to rip them off the page and put them in the corner, and burn them with a lighter.

Too much?

Anyway, lol, this author put WAY too many chunky paragraphs. I just can't stand them but this could be a just me sort of thing.

Overall, would I recommend this book?

Take this into consideration: This book has had fabulously high reviews, the author writes extremely well, and  the plot is riveting.

Now, if you want to take a chance on a fabulous science fiction book that just wasn't my flavor, feel free.

But if you have the same picky-ness level that I do, then don't pick it up.

My gut says give it a shot but my head cautions you if you haven't read science fiction before.

You choose ultimately though. 

5 Tips to Successfully Market an eBook: A Guest Post

Please welcome to Feed My Need, Samantha Gray!

Samantha Gray was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she is now a writer for Bachelor Degrees Online. She loves receiving feedback from her readers at samanthagray024@gmail.com.

5 Tips to Successfully Market an E-book 

 

Play to your audience.

One of the keys to successfully marketing a product is having a product that is designed to sell. Writing fiction that is well-suited for commercialization may mean sacrificing artistry for entertainment – or finding a way to combine the two.

If your goal is to revolutionize the literary world, you’re probably going to need the team of professionals that would come with a major book deal. Those who are considering self-publishing should conduct significant research before beginning their endeavors and align their work to coincide with an opportunity in the market.

Research your target audience to uncover what themes and characters are trending. For YA fiction, supernatural and paranormal elements are popular. However, it is important to include something in your stories that will make you stand out from the competition.


Start something.

Remember that word of mouth is still an extremely powerful tool. Twilight and Shades of Grey – two sides of the same coin – are examples of how books can become conversation pieces. The unraveling of backstories, mounting tension and a fast-paced plot is a recipe for a “good read”, but best sellers often walk the line between socially acceptable and scandalous. Incorporate a plotline that is juicy enough for your audience gossip about, but not so risqué that readers feel uncomfortable discussing it or sharing the content with friends.


Build your empire.

You’re not only a writer, you’re a publisher. That means that you need to take control of your business Begin reaching out to your audience through a Website, a Facebook fan page and a blog. Any promotional materials such as book covers and advertisements will be out-of-pocket expenses.

Although this is about your work, this is also about you. A great photo and biography are two things that will help establish loyalty. Remember to invest your time wisely. You may be tempted to write on your blog daily, but being too accessible or inundating readers with the duller details of writing can completely blow your cover as a mysterious and powerful author.

Your book should also carry a distinct and attractive image. Writers should network with other creative professionals for the best cover art possible. Regardless of the old axiom, readers do judge books by their covers; and even though you’ve written, edited, published and marketed your own book – chances are you aren’t a visual artist. Find someone you trust and hire him (or her). This could prove to be an opportunity for rewarding artistic collaboration.


Lead up to the launch.

Build hype before you launch your book. Send copies of your manuscript to various review sites, ask bloggers to review your book or solicit editors for a review. Create teaser blurbs or turn your Website into a countdown clock. Choose the best passages for excerpts on e-commerce Websites and let all of your Facebook and Twitter fans know that the day is approaching!


Control your output.

Leading e-book author Darcie Chan limited availability of her book to Kindle and kept the price at 99c. This makes advertising easier. By paying for advertising spots on sites and blogs dedicated to Kindle, Chan was able to market directly to her target audience. For more on marketing strategies, consider reading this interview with successful indie publicists Robin Sullivan.

In addition to limiting the availability of your content, you will also need to plan to continue publishing. Maintaining momentum can be extremely exhausting and the income can be variably low; however, publishing multiple books will increase sales, especially if you can successfully tap into your consumer market.

Author Interview: Venessa Kimball

Please welcome to Feed My Need, the lovely author, Venessa Kimball!

When and why did you begin writing? 

I wrote throughout my adolescent years and well into college.  I enjoyed creating different places, times, and characters.  I stopped for a while when I became a teacher, held a career,  and started having children.  I always want
ed to go back to writing. I just didn't have the down time.  So, I became an avid reader over those non-writing years.  I was heavily active in book clubs.  I devoured them!  

My children started becoming less dependent on mom and I started having more time on my hands in 2010.  By this point, I was bursting at the seams with this one particular storyline that kept playing out like a movie in my head.  It was a perfect opportunity for me to go for it and start writing my first novel, Piercing the Fold: Book 1. 


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest? 

The hardest part was that I had never written a novel. I had written short stories and poems. But, never a novel.  I had to Google like crazy to figure out how I was going to lay out this story in my head on paper.  2 composition notebooks and a year later…I had the story on paper.  Then the typing began.  Yes, I did the first entire book in composition notebooks.  Long process, but amazing!  

The easiest part was the story and the characters. They were already there in my head.  I just had to listen to them!  

What music do you listen to while you write?  

I set up a playlist before I start writing.  I actually have a place on my website that gives you the Spotify playlist for  Piercing the Fold Book 1.  visit www.VenessaKimball.net to listen!  The ones that stand out immediately are Silversun Pickups, Muse, Paramore, Radiohead, Bob Marley, the Beatles, Nirvana, Morissey, Florence + the Machine, Fleetwood Mac, Howls, The Church, No Doubt, Placebo, Pixies. 

What inspires you?  

I am an observer.  I take in everything around me.  I let in emotions, the environment, people around me.    I'm really open like that. Sometimes I feel like I'm a sponge.  Then, from those observations I put my "what if" spin on it!  Music….it is a must for me when I'm writing!  Add in an amazing playlist and the creative juices start flowing!

Do you have any hidden talents? 

Hmm.  None that I can think of. 

What are your current projects? 

I am currently working on the second installment of the Piercing the Fold series, Surfacing the Rim Book 2.   StR will be released March 2013.  The third installment (Title not announced yet) will be released July 2013.

What book are you reading now? 

I am banning myself from reading any books right now.  I am really diving in with Surfacing the Rim.  I'm getting into some heavier character interaction. So, I have to have complete attention on Book 2.  However, I have a must read list that is growing daily. As soon as StR is drafted I will indulge for a couple of weeks.  My must read list right now is Beautiful Creatures- series, Angelfall, Dark House- An Experiment in Terror series.

Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why? 

Shapeshifters.  Because of the unknown and building suspense of what the shift will create.  There is a bit of shifting in PtF. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?  

Have a plan and a goal for every aspect of your writing.  You are your true, sole, motivator.  Keep yourself accountable…And, if you are blessed to have some great friends that would love to be a beta reader for your books, take them up on it- they will help keep you accountable too and give you some great insight! 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

I hope you enjoy getting  lost in the reality that the Piercing the Fold series  presents.  Every time I start a book as a reader, I get giddy because I know I'm about to disappear into a different  place. And into another persons reality.  I hope this for Piercing the Fold readers! 

Such is life, Jesca Gershon-Sera does not see this coming. 

Life is pretty normal for Jesca in Marrieta, Georgia. She is a sophomore at Southern Polytechnic State University and holds a part-time job at a local bookstore. Her life is predictable and comfortable; nothing out of the ordinary. Until, Jesca begins experiencing reoccurring childhood nightmares. The terrors take on a stronger meaning, when dark looming auras, distorted beings, and her unnatural physical and mental abilities begin to seep out of the dream realm and into her real world. Jesca begins to question her sanity as these terrors increase and flood her reality. 

At the peak of her mental breaking point, Jesca has multiple coincidental encounters with her professor, Ezra Kahn. Jesca is blind-sided as Ezra exposes how these terrors are part of a reality in our world set askew and that Jesca must claim her role in a battle to protect humanity from eminent catastrophe. 

Jesca begins her quest discovering herself, her inevitable purpose, and the undeniable truth that she is part of humanity’s salvation whether she is ready or not. 

Piercing the Fold: Book 1 brings forth “smart” science fiction reflecting on real scientific and spiritual endeavors of our time. Artfully intermingling science fiction, the paranormal, romance, and thrilling suspense leaving the readers questioning where Jesca’s journey will take them next. Older Teen/ New Adult Fiction. Book 1 in series.