Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Authors in the Spotlight 5/16

In today's Authors in the Spotlight, we have authors Yvonne Wakefield, Victoria Ramsey, and Lily Raine!

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Name: Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield aka Yvonne Wakefield

How long have you been published? Since the 1980’s I’ve published everything from poetry to journal excerpts which have been included in anthologies or as stand alones. As a journalist I’ve published hundreds and hundreds of articles. As an educator I published numerous peer review articles and writing them was the least inspiring of any of my author endeavors.

What's the worst part about being published? The worst part of being published was the process of getting published. It is the Wild West out there and every snake oil sales person is out there with promises that their services will help you for a price. Believe me. I’ve paid a handful of people to help me on my publishing journey and they are the only ones who have made any money off my books. Also, Amazon Reviews…any crack head can post one whether they have read the book or not.

What's the best part about being published? For me the best part of being published is going around the country giving book readings and that unexpected fan letter which lets me know all those years I spent in solitary writing connected with someone.

Are you self-published or did you go through a publishing company? “Suitcase Filled with Nails: Lessons Learned from Teaching Art in Kuwait,” was first published by a company that provides all the services between manuscript and finished book. Prior to that I had worked with two editors to bring the book to a publishable standard. I did this so I could have a hard copy to use when I pitched at conferences or queried agents/publishers who could take the book to a more commercial level. It worked.

*What are the highs, if any? The highs are seeing all your years of work bound in a book.

*What are the lows, if any? The lows are being duped by unscrupulous people in the industry who take monetary advantage of fledgling authors and publishers who fail to honor a contract or marketing plan.

What is the name of your book(s)? “Suitcase Filled with Nails: Lessons Learned Teaching Art in Kuwait,” and “Babe in the Woods: Building a Life One Log at a Time,” the first of a three book series. 

Was it/were they an easy write for you? Actually, after I honed my discipline to get through the first few drafts of a book I could play with the words that previously had to be coaxed around.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? The hardest part about writing a book for me is self-doubt…I wonder if what I’m writing will appeal to readers.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? Leaving my desk after a writing session.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? As of this week May 15, 2017 my books are undergoing a publishing over haul. I do know a first edition of Suitcase Filled with Nails, is available through on-line book stores like Amazon or it can be purchased through my web site.

Do you have any future projects in the works? *Is there a tentative release date? The sequel to the first Babe in the Woods, is ready for an editor/agent/publisher and the third is in outline.

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? My website, Facebook, Facebook Page, and Facebook Page

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Name: Victoria Ramsey

How long have you been published? I have been a published author since 2014. 
 
What's the worst part about being published? The worst part of being published for me has been finding marketing outlets for the book and at the same time your mind has already started the next book. Hahaha!

What's the best part about being published? The best part of being published for me has been meeting other authors and people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Are you self-published or did you go through a publishing company? I am not self published, I was referred to a wonderful publishing company and was very pleased with all their help and the end product. The ‘highs’ occur when everything is moving toward published date as originally planned. The ‘lows’ are when you realize you may not make the publishing date.

What is the name of your book(s)? My first book is titled, “It’s Not Okay, Babies Do Know” and the second is,“ Miawaka”.

Was it/were they an easy write for you? Neither of the books were difficult to write.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? The hardest part for me about writing a book is naming my characters and those moments when I don’t know what to write next to keep the story flowing.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? The easiest part for me is naming the title. LOL! I have to laugh because I am sure that is what most people would say, they have a title – just need the book to go with it! Hahaha!

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)?  Interested readers may purchase my books through Amazon, Authorhouse publishing, or Barnes and Noble.

Do you have any future projects in the works? *Is there a tentative release date? Right now I am attempting to compile years of poetry and publish them. Not sure when this may be ready to go to press.

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers?  I am on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and my website.

Thank you La Kata for allowing me to share about my books on your blog. - Victoria Ramsey

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Name: Lily Raine

How long have you been published? I have been published since 2011 with my romance novel and 2015 with my young adult novel.

What's the worst part about being published? When writing a sequel that you know people are going to read, there is the fear readers and publishers won’t like the consequent novels as much as the original.

What's the best part about being published? Knowing there are readers out there of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life who might happen to pick up a copy of my book. They are reading words I wrote while living in my life and even though I write fantasy, much of what an author experiences comes out in their works.

Are you self published or did you go through a publishing company? A publishing company. World Castle Publishing. 

*What are the highs, if any? The highs are feeling connected to other authors and having support.

*What are the lows, if any? The lows are that you have to work at the pace of your publisher, which includes edits and cover design to say the least.

What is the name of your book(s)? Destria Waves (Anastasia #1)

Was it/were they an easy write for you? Yes! I was holding onto the idea for a while, so when it came time to write, the words flowed very easily.

What's the hardest part about writing a book? Continuity. Every author already knows the entire story by heart, but it’s transferring thoughts to paper that proves challenging.

What's the easiest part about writing a book? Everything comes from your mind. Whatever rules you set in world building are the rules, no questions asked.

Where can interested readers purchase their copy of your book(s)? Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Do you have any future projects in the works? Yes, there will be two more in this YA paranormal series. I am also working on a stand alone novel that involves the theme of homelessness amongst LGBT youth.

Do you have any social media sites that you would like to share with my readers? Blogspot and Twitter

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Join me on Thursday as I bring you author T. L. Norman!

 

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