Post date: Mar 23, 2016 1:16:42 PM
Jamie Forgetta interview with David Alan Binder
Web Site: www.jamieforgetta.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PulseMaybe?ref=hdr_shop_menu
1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)?
Jay-Me Forjetta
2. Where are you currently living?
North Scituate Rhode Island
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
I'd have to say to let a friend take a look at your work to read, edit and make suggestions. An outside opinion can be very important, you know your story and by extension understand everything in it. However it may read differently to someone who is picking it up for the first time, you may also get suggestions that you would have never thought of. You don't have to take every suggestion given to you but sometimes you really need to hear from someone who isn't in your head.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I can't really think of any.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
I don't have particular strong feelings either way; it really depends on the person. My publisher is Stillwater Publishing in North Scituate.
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Not really, to each there own however I personally prefer print books.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
I don't really have any “Secret” tips, just don't give up and maybe try and find a smaller local publisher.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
I do not have an agent as of this moment.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new illustrators (please be specific and informational as possible)?
If you want to get into illustrating I suggest displaying your work where ever you can. Social Media and in physical places, also find out who the local publishers are and try offering your services. What gets your foot in the door can be the last thing you expected, for example I gave a couple of my illustrations to my mother who is a Dental Hygienist. She has them hanging in her office and everyone who goes to see her sees them, this ultimately led me to getting into contact with Stillwater Publishing and has gotten me some other jobs as well. It was a small gesture that I didn't think much of but it had a huge payoff.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
Editing took a bit longer than I expected, I'm not the best at grammar but I was surprised to see just how much I had gotten wrong in a short kids book. On the upside I learned a lot from the experience.
11. How many books have you written?
I currently have one book I have written that is available for purchase, I have many stories I hope to eventually write out.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better Illustrator (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Never stop drawing, I'm still working at becoming better and the best way to do that is practice, practice, practice. There are many resources to help you learn different mediums and tricks; YouTube for one has many different tutorials available. Watching Speed painting videos can help your technique. If you ever need a motivation booster look at some art you did a year ago, chances are you have improved a lot in just that small amount of time.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
I don't really have experience with twist endings yet but if I was going to try and come up with one I would look up advice and do research on what makes a good twist.
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
Well I know they say never judge a book by its cover, but people do. You could have an incredible book but sometimes if the cover just does not draw anyone to it than no one would ever know. I suggest really putting the effort in to creating an eye catching cover that speaks to the target demographic for your book. All the books I have done so far have been for children, so that means bright eye catching colors on the cover and the same on the inside to keep the kids invested in the story.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Social media, word of mouth, and I will hopefully do some book events in the future.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I can't think of anything to be entirely honest.
17. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by?
Not sure if I want a tombstone and I don't currently have a mantra, I just haven't come up with one I really love yet.
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