AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Rebecca Rode author of Numbers Game

Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I can’t remember, actually. I’ve just always done it. Writing has always been a huge part of my life. I still have some stories I wrote when I was five. They’re pretty epic for a kindergartner, in my opinion.

2     How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I have four kids, so I write when I can. Usually that’s from 9-11 pm after they go to bed. I used to watch TV during that time, so I figure it was a good trade.

3      How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I have a laptop. I enjoy the freedom that brings. I like to change where I sit because I have neck problems, so sometimes I’ll lie on the couch propped up by pillows, while other times I’ll sit up in a chair. Depends how my neck is feeling that day.

4      What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

I enjoy the brainstorming and outlining stages. Even the initial drafting part is really fun for me. But I hate editing and revisions. I keep thinking it will get easier with the next book, but it never really does.

5      How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

My Numbers Game series was sparked by a trip to the bank. I was signing some paperwork to buy my husband’s truck and took a long look at my credit score. It was interesting to me, how they could look at me and my life and take everything about my complicated financial history into account, then assign me a single number.

My brain started churning. What if that number represented more than just finances? What if it was my appearance, my intelligence, my athleticism? What if I had to wear that number around? What if it determined where I lived and who I could marry? And above all, what if someone was manipulating the numbers? Thus, Numbers Game was born.

It took me about two years from start to finish to write Numbers Game, but that’s because I wrote and traditionally published another book in the middle of it. I can usually write and edit a novel in about nine months. I’m amazed with the people who can publish a book every month or so. They must not have four children. J

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I’m a big fan of newsletters. I like doing author cross-promotions, and having a decent-sized newsletter definitely helps. I do ads on occasion, but only when I have a book on sale (which is about every three months since my books are in Kindle Unlimited). When I have a book release, I do a cover reveal and a book blast to help get the word out.

7     What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I just finished Ruby’s Story, which is a prequel and companion novella to my second Numbers Game book, Numbers Ignite. I’m giving Ruby’s Story to my VIP Clan members for free, and I’m really excited to hear what they think. I’m also working on book three, Numbers Raging. I already have the cover and I can’t wait to show everyone.

8      Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

When Numbers Raging is finished, I have a YA pirate fantasy book that I can’t wait to get finished up. I’ve been working on it for about two years, and I’ve already had agent interest. I just don’t have the time to dedicate to it right now.

9.     What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Talent is a myth. Hard work is seriously what matters most. There’s a YouTube clip of Howard Tayler that I absolutely love called “Who Needs Talent?” It’s definitely worth a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4qBSrLe19k

The question I get asked most is, how do you write with kids? 

The simplest answer is my husband. He is incredibly supportive. I’m out at conferences and conventions a lot, but he rarely complains about spending his Saturdays catering to my hectic schedule. Supportive family members can honestly make or break a writing career, and he’s definitely made mine.

Rebecca, I used to write with children hanging on my legs; I used to jokingly call them my 'dangling participles'. I also used to write during nap time and late at night when they were finally asleep. 

***

Learn more about Rebecca and her books:

http://www.authorrebeccarode.com

https://www.amazon.com/Numbers-Game-Saga/dp/0996153209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470708582&sr=8-1&keywords=numbers+game

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Robin King

1.     Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

Believe it or not, I hated writing growing up. I did win a few writing contests in grade school and was the only one from my grade sent to a district writing conference, but I never really enjoyed it because I felt like I was being forced to do it. It wasn’t until I started writing in a journal regularly in high school that I discovered that putting my thoughts on paper could be fun and therapeutic. But again, it took me another seven years after I graduated from college to consider writing a novel. I think it was my teen students that inspired me to write something they could one day read.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I participate in NaNoWriMo each year. It's National Novel Writing Month and you set a goal with thousands of other people to complete 50,000 words of a new novel. It’s hard to get around 1700 words a day for 30 days straight but I love how it pushes me to complete a novel.

3.     How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I write everywhere! Some people don’t believe me when I tell them I wrote over half of my last book on my iphone. I have a blue tooth keyboard and even use the dictation software on my phone to write. I’ve found that if I use my time that could have been wasted just sitting and waiting, I get a lot done. When I’m not writing on my phone, I have a laptop that is well-loved (i.e. super old) that I use in my home office. I’ve also been known to go to the local library or coffee shop when I don’t want interruptions.

4.     What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part of writing is living in a new world with characters I create. I love to write a new character and have them take on a life of their own. Because I’m a voracious reader too, I enjoy discussing my books with others and talking about the books like the characters are real people.

As for what I hate, I don’t like that I don’t have more time to write.

5.     How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

My first book, Remembrandt, came to be because I’ve always loved the idea of espionage. Honestly, if I would have been gifted enough with foreign languages, I would have tried to join the CIA. Instead I write about a teen spy who uses her eidetic memory to solve crimes and rescue stolen pieces of artwork.

Remembrandt took me about six months to write and then another six months to revise. It was another 18 months before I found a publisher and another six months for it to be published. I wrote it in 2012 and have since completed four other novels and am halfway through a fifth one.

6.     What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

Teaching and talking about writing is my passion. I go to schools to discuss writing and being an author. I also use social media and my website to keep people up to date on what I’m doing. I try and attend 2-3 writing conferences a year and do book signings to get the word out. I wish I had time to do more.

7.     What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

The final book in the Remembrandt series will be released November 2016 (Book 2 was entitled Van Gogh Gone). The title is Memory of Monet. It is suspenseful ending to the complicated life of teen spy, Alexandra.

I’m also in the process of obtaining a publisher for the contemporary fantasy series I’m working on. Once the Remembrandt series is out, I’ll be able to concentrate on these new novels.  

8.     Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I started an epic fantasy novel last year that I’m only about 50,000 words into and I’m absolutely in love with the story and characters. I’d love to finish it and get it into the hands of readers too.

9.     What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Anyone can write a story and everyone has some talent that can make their writing unique. I think the best place to start is to find the story you are passionate about and get it on paper. Attend some writing conferences to better your craft and meet people that are in the same boat as you. Form a writing group to help push and support you.

Learn more at:

www.authorrobinking.com

Remembrandt &  Van Gogh Gone

***

A Question for me:

What makes your book different from others I have read?

Because I have published 10, the answer would vary depending on the book. But let's take my mystery series. They are typical who-done-it, but are without the bad language and scenes you wouldn't want your son or daughter reading. The main character, Susan, is middle aged, and sort of drops into her new role as detective - so you can imagine the things that she bungles. All of my books have an egg theme, and this egg theme, relates to the book titles.