In today's Authors in the Spotlight, we have authors Whitney R. Mayes and A.M. Griffin!
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Name: Whitney R Mayes
How long have you been published? 7 months now
What's the worst part about being published? I think my first worry when I was first published was wondering what others would think of my story, but then I realized I have always wanted to finish this goal and because of that it being published was totally worth it to me even if that meant I was going to be judge.
What's the best part about being published? The best part for me was being able to speak my truth and hopefully being able to help others with my own experience and my words.
Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? I went through the self-publishing route and that was a huge learning experience for me.
*What are the highs, if any? The highs were setting a goal of figuring out how to get a book out there and then accomplishing it! I feel proud that I stayed determined and finished what I have dreamed of.
*What are the lows, if any? Lows I would say letting your doubts get in the way. If you question your writing or if people are going to like it then you can lose focus on what you’re trying to accomplish
What is the name of your book(s)? My eBook that you can get through Amazon is called “How to Overcome in a Kickass way with the Power of Positive Thinking.” I also have a blog were I release each week more of a story that I’m writing called “Tales of Emma: Classified as a Hot Mess.”
Was it/were they an easy write for you? Yes my self-help book was easy because it was my own personal story to share with others so it came naturally.
What's the hardest part about writing a book? Getting stick on the flow and making sure each chapter ties together so the reader can easily follow the story line.
What's the easiest part about writing a book? I don’t think there is an easy part, at least not for me the whole writing process is unique from start to finish.
Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? You can get my ebook through Amazon and you can find my Tales of Emma at http://wmayes.wixsite.com/time2readwithwhit
Do you have any future projects in the works? I want to keep working on Tales of Emma and would like to turn this blog into a book
*Is there a tentative release date? No not at this time
Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? Yes! Facebook!
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Name: A. M. Griffin
How long have you been published? I published my first book Dangerously Mine in December 2012. It took that book a year to go to publication. I submitted it to Ellora’s Cave in December 2011. That was such a long journey and eye-opening experience, but one that I’m glad I went through.
What's the worst part about being published? The unknown and laying yourself bare for everyone to see and critique. It’s very hard. With each book that I write I pour myself into the characters, the world, the life and hope that everyone loves the characters as much as I do. I know that I can’t please everyone, that’s not what I’m looking for. I understand that there will be bad reviews, but I hope that the good outweighs the bad (I’m sure every writer feels this way!).
What's the best part about being published? Introducing readers to all the people that live in my head! (LOL). I love bringing my characters to life, to see what motivates them, what drives them, their little nuances. It’s such a great feeling to be able to bring them out and have their voices be heard. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but there’s a sense of wonderment to it all.
Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? Right now I’m hybrid. I have some books with a traditional publisher and some that I published myself.
*What are the highs, if any? There are highs with both. With traditional publishing I have help. I don’t have to worry about paying for the editor or cover. There’s a fantastic team behind me at Totally Bound and I feel covered and secured. With self-publishing I retain the creative freedom. I can choose the covers that I want, how I envision the hero or heroine. If I disagree with the editor my voice trumps and I can decide what to do.
*What are the lows, if any? On the flip side to all of the highs there’s also plenty of lows. With the traditionally published books if they don’t sell well I feel that I’ve let me team down and I’ve let Totally Bound down. Like I’ve failed them. With self-publishing it all falls on my shoulders. Even though I like the creative freedom there’s such a weight to it that sometimes it can feel crushing.
What is the name of your book(s)? The books that I’m currently promoting are the three in my paranormal romance, Dark Wolf Enterprises series; Shifter Claimed, Lover Claimed and Hunter Claimed.
Was it/were they an easy write for you? The first two; Shifter Claimed and Lover Claimed were fairly easy. I had trouble with Hunter Claimed only because my H/H had different agendas and it was often hard to get them to trust each other and stay on the same page. They’re both very strong willed and have loyalties that lie elsewhere. Asha is loyal to her Vampire Mistress who saved her when she was a teenager. Hunter, my wolf-shifter is loyal to his pack. Sparks fly and luckily for me, once I got them to want each other, everything finally fell into place.
What's the hardest part about writing a book? When the characters don’t talk to me I’m stuck. Basically dead in the water, waiting for them to decide what to do next. If my brain is silent, my fingers aren’t typing.
What's the easiest part about writing a book? I really wouldn’t anything about writing a book is “easy”. Lol.
Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? The Dark Wolf Enterprises series is available almost everywhere via electronic channels. (Amazon buy link)
Do you have any future projects in the works? Yes! Beginning this May I’ll be re-releasing all five books in my sci-fi romance, Loving Dangerously series. I can’t wait! (Amazon buy link)
Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? Where you can find me: Website! Subscribe to my Amazon page! Email me at: amgriffinbooks@gmail.com! Like me on Facebook! Follow me on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates giveaways!
Thank you for you time and I look forward to reading more from you in the future! Thanks for having me! ~A.M. Griffin
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Thanks for having me!
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing me to interview you!
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