You'll not want to miss my interview with author, Jeanne Rogers. Why is the wild animal population so important to her, and how does she get children involved in reaching out?
Learn about some great marketing methods that Jeanne uses, yes, even though she HATES marketing. Find out what she truly loves.
Tell me a about yourself. What got
you started in writing?
I
have two interests in which I am very invested. First, I have a reverence for
life and a sincere concern for the status of wild animals. I believe human life
on this planet is intrinsically connected to wild life. I have always wished I
could do more to bring attention to the issue, other than donate to the World
Wildlife Federation, or the Environmental Defense Fund. I also believe that it
is possible for man to live in harmony with nature. It is something we should
strive for.
So,
after thinking about ways that I could do more, it came to me that I just might
be able to combine my love of writing in such a way as to teach youngsters
about wild animals. It’s a big subject, and an important one. There are many
animals whose lives are either threatened or straight out endangered. Some are
critically endangered to the point that one day soon we may never see them
again. A long time ago, I read a book
entitled, Last Chance to See. This book was the catalyst for me, and it
still holds a place of honor on my bookshelf. The plight of endangered animals
gave me a reason to write.
But,
to attract kids, the writing needed to be fun, and subtly introduce youngsters
to endangered animals. In an effort to achieve this goal, I have placed, and
will always place, a glossary at the back of my books. The glossary provides
tidbits of information and a web site where my readers can see what the animals
look like in real life. It’s an adventure; it’s a teaching tool, it’s just plan
fun, and shouldn't that be what we offer to young readers? Isn't that what might spark them to read more? Now there’s a thought!
How and where do you write? Do you prefer a laptop or do you prefer writing
freehand?
I
actually start by writing freehand, but once I reach a certain pace (too fast
for my pen), I switch over to the computer. Seems a bit cumbersome, but it
works well for me. I am sure that most
writers will identify with the muse attacking them, and when she does, woe to
the writer who doesn't listen. I tend to listen, so when those words start to
flow, I switch over to the keyboard.
As
to where I write, I admit to carrying a small notebook, and sometimes a
recorder so if something comes to mind I can write it down no matter where I
am. Under optimum conditions, I am sitting at my desk gazing out at the woods
in the back of my home in Connecticut. The view inspires me.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
Writing
is an artistic process, and if you allow your imagination to run wild you can
create a great deal, and become immersed in that creation. You can take your
story anywhere. There are no borders, no limitations. With my pen (or laptop),
and a great deal of imagination I can go places that don’t exist, and I can
stay there for quite some time. No one can tell me that what I’m envisaging is
wrong, or that my plot is too wild, or doesn't make sense. I’m just typing
away, creating. I’ll worry about the details after I’m finished. Those thorny details may include necessary
things like, plot flow, story structure, character enhancement, etc., etc. Then
there is grammar and all the other aspects of editing. It’s tough to edit your
own work. I tend to look toward the professionals, and I do have a wonderful
editor that I rely on to catch me when I fall into the bad grammar, misused
comma, overly adjectivized (is that a word), pit.
Did
I mention that marketing is the work of the devil? Yes, I've said it a million
times before. Just for emphasis, marketing is the work of the devil. It
is my least favorite thing about writing. In the current publishing environment,
there is sooooo… much competition. For example, last year over 300,000
self-published books were listed on Amazon. The number will certainly not decrease.
So today’s writers must have a good marketing plan, which goes hand in had with
a good author platform. Both items are necessary, and both are difficult to
properly construct. Marketing is something that needs to begin well before
one’s book is published, and you have to work at it all the time. You need to
be familiar with all social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest,
Google +, etc. You name it; you had better have a presence there, or else! Ugh!
Can you tell that this is my least favorite part?
How do you come up with your
characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
It’s
easy for me to come up with characters. Most of the characters in my books are
animals and many of them are endangered. I pull them from nature, bring these
animals to life, and it’s a blast. Then I dress them, give them hopes and
dreams, give them problems, and place elaborate obstructions in their paths,
which requires them to rethink their original plans, then they watch those
plans fall apart, and suddenly come back together again. I hope my readers become
invested when they meet them, because they have never met nor spoken with any
characters quite like these before. Also, I am sure that my readers will be
able to identify with my characters. There are dilemmas within the story that
the characters have to deal with. These dilemmas will make the reader reflect
on situations in their daily lives. Issues like family trouble, making friends,
love, the value of teamwork and dedication to a cause, are woven into the story
and brought to life by the characters.
My
creatures are interesting characters. They talk to me daily and insist that I
get their stories down on a piece of paper. I listen to them. If I don’t,
they’ll be there in the morning when I wake up, and they’ll bother me until I
pay attention.
What types of marketing do you do
to promote your writing?
I believe I mentioned above how much I enjoy marketing – NOT!
I’ll elaborate a bit on what I believe is necessary to appropriately market
yourself and your book. In my
opinion, in order to promote/market a book, several factors should be considered.
First, you have to know your competition. Some writers just have an idea
and they move forward, take out pen and paper and start to write. But have they
considered similar books? Writers need to know their competition.
Another factor, which helps a writers properly promote their
writing, is knowing your audience. Your audience is your market, and believe me
when I say, marketing is the work of the devil (did I say that already?), so
you had better consider your audience ‘cause it’s your market. Once you know
your audience you can set up a plan to promote and build your platform for
them. Your platform is another essential marketing tool. You must think about
what it is that makes you different from everyone out there,
zero in on it, and focus on it.
Promotion and building a platform are essential. You can’t wait
until you have that manuscript ready to publish or send to an agent! Begin
establishing yourself and building your platform well in advance of your
planned publishing date. I started years in advance on Facebook, LinkedIn,
Twitter, etc. I started a blog focusing on what my passion is: animals,
educating youngsters, highlighting Australia, and having a bit of fun while
doing it. Make it your business to know yourself and know your market/audience.
How do you schedule your writing
time? When do you write?
I
would really like to say that I am SO
disciplined that I set aside three hours beginning at 4:00 a.m. and ending at
7:00 am. At 7:00, I switch over to writing my blog, which continues well into
the afternoon (snicker, snicker). Lies, all lies! I truly operate on a first come first served
basis. That sounds a bit weird, but if the muse for Facebook arrives before the
muse for blogging, then Facebook it is. I am a creative writer, and I work
creatively. It’s more fun that way, and if I’m enjoying what I’m doing, like
typing out this interview answer, I leave all other muses waiting in line.
What are you currently working on?
Do you have a new book out?
I am
so glad you asked that question! I am working on book two. It’s entitled, The Gift of Sunderland. I am so excited
about it. The main characters of the story will once again be anthropomorphized
animals. They will run rampant through the pages on an exciting and thrilling
adventure. Oh, what’s that you say, you’d like to read an opening paragraph?
Wonderful:
“In the
northern lands of Acadia, deep in the realm of Sunderland, there once stood an
ancient gum tree. The ancient tree fell so long ago that the event was no
longer a part of the Forest’s memory.
Now it is a comfortable and cozy home for a regal line of numbats named
Ayers. Roland Ayers’ family history was a source of pride for the great
marsupial. He was patriarch of his immediate family, advisor to his extended
family and Guardian of the Forest. The creatures throughout Acadia recognized
his strength and the power of his sorcery. Like the fallen tree, Roland was
old. Soon the role of Guardian would be passed on.”
I am
working toward a publishing date in April this year. Thanks for asking.
Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
I
don’t really have anything on the back burner. However, I do have many ideas
that are percolating for the third book. There certainly will be a third. I
already have the title. It will be called The Last Ayer. I know where it will
head, but nothing has been put down in concrete yet. The muse is waiting in the
wings.
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
I think the one thing that new writers need is tenacity and
faith. You have to keep trying. Depending on where you are in your writing
process, whether you are in the midst of writing that book you always wanted to
write, or you’re still in school studying the craft, the best advice I can give
is keep at it. It’s the fire in the belly, the sense of urgency that will get
you to where you want to be.
You must have faith in yourself. You must believe that what
you are writing is worthy, and then write it. This takes some courage, but stay
with it, seek help when you need it, and keep writing. Write about what you
love and the rest will fall into place.
Finally, be sure that you have plenty of beta readers,
consider hiring a professional editor, and seek out help when you need it.
That’s where social media comes in. There are tons of individuals out there
ready and willing to help and advise you.
Remember, if you are enjoying what you’re doing it will all come
together.
***
Thank you, Jeanne!
Learn more about Jeanne here:
