WELCOME Lee Piper!

So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.

1. What is the theme of the book you are working on?

Rock My Body, Book #2 in the Mondez series, is due for release through Evernight Publishing on June 3. I’m really passionate about eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness, so decided to write a novel from the viewpoint of a heroine who has been medically diagnosed with Anxiety. It’s a great way to not only highlight the (many) challenges of this illness but to also celebrate the strength of someone who lives with it through a combination of humour, music and love. (What a wonderful thing to do. Anxiety can be crippling to a person.)  

2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript? (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like frodo?)

The hardest thing about writing Rock My Body was the fact I was pregnant with severe morning sickness (19 weeks, people. 19 looooong weeks) while also trying to work full time and raise a three year old. It was so unbelievably hard. Strangely, I was really happy with the manuscript itself, it was just the extenuating circumstances surrounding its creation which really knocked me around!  (Oh Lee, that is quite a load to be juggling and morning sickness…yuk.)

3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?

I’m a combination of the two. At the start of every book, I plot out a basic storyline, the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. Then, (pregnancy aside) I go for a jog along the beach while listening to heavy rock music. This is when I think up each chapter of my WIP. Most often, I will let the ideas sit with me for a while—overnight works best—and then get up at 5am the next day to put pen to paper until 7am which is when I get ready for work. In the evening, I then go over what was written that morning; I type it up and spend the next day or so tidying it up until I am happy with it.

4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)  

I do read the reviews on my books and, like many authors, sometimes wish I hadn’t. I figure if they’ve taken the time to write about my work, regardless of it it’s positive or negative feedback, the least I can do is read it. I’m curious by nature, so it’s really hard for me not to! If nothing else, the negative reviews teach me resilience and the positive ones make me feel awesome. However, I have decided that unless the reviewer is brave enough to become an author themselves, I’m not going to pay too much heed to their opinions either way. Reading is so subjective and trying to please everyone is beyond impossible. (We all need thick skin.)

5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) 

I’m very active on social media. Facebook is my go to marketing tool and to be honest, I find most new reads by my favourite authors on Facebook too. I love reviewing and blogging on Goodreads, updating my website/blog, creating YouTube book trailers, taking part in Facebook parties, running giveaways, writing a monthly newsletter, contacting fellow authors for blogging/interview opportunities etc etc. It’s non-stop but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

6. Social Media – Love it or hate it?  Where do you hang out the most?  Any tips to share? 

Love, love, love. I’m trying to find the happy medium between marketing my books and building rapport with my friends/followers. I hate the thought of continuously flogging my latest novel to the point of turning people off, however know it is a very powerful tool if done correctly. So, I carefully take note of what the big names are doing and, if I agree with their methods, follow their lead as much as possible.

7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?  

‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things about all others: read a lot and write a lot.’ – Stephen King.  

This sounds like the perfect life to me. (It sure does.)

Lee loves connecting with readers and fellow authors, here are her links:  

Website: http://www.leepiperauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leepiperauthor/

Blog: http://www.leepiperauthor.com/blog

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Piper/e/B01NAS0IBO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16304661.Lee_Piper

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhPr2s7QOf5B-1NiaHq5Dw

My latest Newsletter: http://mailchi.mp/20ded2dd0312/lee-pipers-april-newsletter

WELCOME SUSANNE BELLAMY!

So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.  

1. What is the theme of your new release?

Trust is integral to relationships and has to be earned. In Long Way Home (Hearts of the Outback bk 3), Sarah Tait will neither trust nor forgive Detective Caleb Richards. The first time they met he slapped handcuffs on her and now, he’s asking for her help to find a kidnapped thoroughbred stallion. But sometimes it’s easier to trust when you dislike a person because there are no rose coloured glasses to distort the picture. (Sounds like fun. Looking forward to this one.)

2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing your current release?  (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like frodo?)

I needed to do quite a lot of research on horses, endurance riding, and plants of the outback. While I rode a few times as a teenager, I’m not a rider but I was fortunate to connect with Sandy Vaile, whose help with the equine elements was wonderful. The tricky part was to use her information and make it sound realistic. I actually enjoy research because I love to learn. (Same here Susanne. I love research.) 

3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?

I’m an organic writer. Each story begins with seeing a ‘meeting’ between the protagonists followed by asking questions to get to know them and what they are doing in that place. The story grows as I get to know the characters and see them interacting with one another. I wish I could plot more than a brief outline, but after ten or so stories, I realise that I have to do what works for me. A story ‘grows’ in its own way and reveals itself when it’s ready. (I like the term ‘organic.’) 

4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)  

No writer likes to read bad reviews that offer nothing by way of constructive criticism. That said, I try not to pay too much attention to negative statements, although it’s brilliant when a reviewer absolutely ‘gets’ my story. Those reviews, I read again, just to remind myself that real people actually enjoy my book babies. 

5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) Any events you want the reader to know about e.g. Coming appearances or signing?

I use social media, FB and Twitter, and my infrequent newsletter to let readers know. Friends and fellow authors often share these posts for me, which is greatly appreciated. My experience with blog tours is that they can be fun, but not to expect too much from them. 

6. Social Media – Love it or hate it? Where do you hang out the most?  Any tips to share? 

By nature I’m more of an introvert. I’m also a technogumby so you could say I have a love/hate relationship with electronic devices and the Web. Best tip: deal with people as you would like to be dealt with; and keep your posts positive! 

7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?  

Don’t worry, be happy. To a fair degree, happiness is a choice for most of us so, as much as possible, I choose to be happy and look for the good.

As for my writing, Nelson Mandela said it best: It always seems impossible until it’s done. (Both are very good quotes and true.)

If you want to know more about Susanne, you can visit her here; 

http://www.susannebellamy.com 

Long Way Home 

Available 30 June. Pre-order on: Amazon

Blurb: 

The first time they met Detective Caleb Richards snapped handcuffs on Sarah Tait and she vowed never to forgive him. But when he seeks her help to find a kidnapped thoroughbred stallion she becomes his unwilling assistant. 

Sarah sets out on a marathon endurance ride. As Caleb tags along, he realises that the horse whisperer has deeper secrets than he’d ever suspected.

Can he uncover Sarah’s secrets and win her trust? 

Other books in the outback series,

Book 1

Book 2

Welcome everyone! Good to see you all here! Firstly some news. It’s been a long time in the making (since 2011) but I can firmly say that Phantasma – A Phi Athanatoi Novel is just around the corner from publication. It has been held up for some last minute edits that were a necessary evil. Just  because we choose to self-publish doesn’t mean we should deter from giving our work the time it needs. I truly hope I have done a good enough job for my first publication.  

I’ve also decided to do a big market push and that takes time and planning because nobody really knows who I am. To me it was imperative to consider that as a self-published author I need to introduce myself to readers and industry based professionals.  

In the coming weeks  I’ll be sharing a little of my journey with you all(one will be posted right after this post). Yes the preverbal if I knew then what I know now and the common trials and tribulations of the writing process. Warning: Crazy rambling will occur. 

Now for the fun stuff, I will be running a MAMMOTH GIVEAWAY, which will be open internationally. So look out for it. 

To finish, I should have some concrete news for you all in the next few weeks, about Phantasma….watch this space.

Big smiles, Efthalia