FAQ
Q-When were you first published?
Kidnapped, my first published book, was in 2006
Q-When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I have always been a storyteller. As a child, I would make up stories for my cousins. It wasn’t until 1998 that I realised I wanted the world to read my stories.
Q-Do you ever get writer's block?
Yes. It's very frustrating. It went on for months. I would start writing, but could never get past the first few pages. I do two things when it happens. I work on another story that needs editing, and if that doesn't work, I step away and watch TV or a movie. Often, it sparks thoughts of my story, and I go back to writing.
Q- Do you make an outline?
Sometimes I do, but more often I write as it comes to me. A few times, a mere sentence will spark an idea.
Q-Where do you write?
Most of the time, I write in my bedroom on my laptop. I put my laptop on my lap. I find it more comfortable than sitting at a desk.
Q-What’s your best advice to deal with rejection?
Don’t give up. The person reading your story may not like it as a storyline, but others might. If you know in your heart you want to become published, continue submitting.
Q-How does one become a published writer?
There are several ways. You can hire an agent, but they are costly. You can submit short stories to magazines. Find a contest with the publisher awarding the winner a published book. That's how I got published. When looking for publishers online, stay away from ones that want you to make a payment up front. A legit publisher will never charge or ask for money.
Q-It’s so hard to complete a book.
I don’t find it hard at all. What I find hard is knowing when to stop.
The writing process
Q-What do people mean when they say “show, don’t tell?”
Here’s how to show and not tell:
If your character is tall, explain his height. Your reader can deduce this from your mention of others looking up when they talk to him.
Or he has to duck to get through a door.
Rather than telling that your character is angry, show it by describing his face flushing, his throat tightening, his voice rising, and his slamming a fist on the table.
You want the reader to feel as if they are there, experiencing it.
Q-Do I need a prologue? Should I get rid of my prologue?
It depends on the story. If you want to give a little hint at what to expect in the story or something from the past, the readers need to know going into the story.
In Secrets of the Dead, I did it because I wanted to give a little glimpse at what to expect.
Ex: Prologue
Andrea stood in the silence of the house, a tiny figure in white. The air around her still, now. It hadn’t been so, moments ago. The turbulence had rocked the walls, shook the foundation, but she’d won in the end. A small victory, and she knew it would not last long. Another would come, another would bring their family here, but she feared it would not be the right one.
For so long, she’d waited for someone to come free her and her family from the endless torment they’d endured. Yet still, they remained, locked in this place, with the secrets which had destroyed them all.
She knew not to tangle with him when his temper flared, yet she had for so long. She would not allow his sick obsession to destroy another female’s life when he’d ruined so many. The time had come to put a stop to it all
She stood in the silence of the house, a tiny figure in white. Death had claimed her many years ago, but she still remained, longing for someone to come release the secrets of the dead.
Q-Can I write books in more than one genre?
Of course. You can write anything you desire, and it doesn’t always have to fall in line with your previous books. Let your stories flow.
Q-How do I choose a book title?
Base it on the story. Example: I chose Secrets of the Dead because it’s a story about a ghost, and a paranormal investigator finds out a long-buried secret.
Q-What do I need to know about writing a series?
Always follow the path of the previous story. It can be shortly after the previous story ends or months or years later. As long as you use the same premise or reference the previous one.
Q-What is a hook, and how do I craft a good one?
A hook is something that grabs the reader's attention from the very start. It’s designed to draw the reader in, making them curious about what will happen next.
Q- Is word count important?
Yes. The best way to know if your book is too long or too short is to check with publishers. They usually tell what word count they prefer.
Q- Should I write in first person or third?
Write whatever feels comfortable to you. don't force it. If it doesn't feel right, switch to the other.
Book Series & Reading Order
Q- Do I have to read the series in order?
Yes.
My Demon series and The Lost Souls series must be read in order.
Awaken the Demon is the first book. Secrets of the Dead is also the first. If you read them out of order, it won't make sense
Q- Will there be more books in this series?
Yes. The Lost Souls series
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