Post date: Feb 11, 2017 5:53:56 PM
Adele Fasick interview with David Alan Binder
Her shortened bio from her website: After reading my way through most of the books in Queens, NY branch library, I decided to become a librarian and a writer. I’ve worked in public libraries and taught children’s literature at three universities in the U.S. and Canada. My work with the League of Women Voters has given me opportunities to increase participation in election and help potential voters understand election issues. It has led to the publication of a new edition of A Guide to California Government.
My biography of Margaret Fuller: An Uncommon Woman, is available.
My latest project is a series of historical mystery stories set in the 1840s–the Charlotte Edgerton mysteries. They will follow the adventures of Charlotte, an immigrant from England, who finds a new life, love, and friends in the New England of Henry Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The first book, set in the experimental community of Brook Farm, Massachusetts, is called A Death in Utopia. The second book in the series Death Visits a Bawdy House has just been published. It takes Charlotte to New York City in the days when it was known as Sin City. Check it out on the page devoted to it.
Website: www.teacupsandtyrants.com
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6426315.Adele_Fasick
1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)?
The A in my last name is a long A. The pronunciation is Fay-sick
2. Where are you currently living (at least the state or if outside US then Country)?
San Francisco, CA
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
I’ve learned that I love writing, both the actual work and, of course, producing a real book.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
Maybe doing too much research. I can’t resist looking things up so I can get the history details right.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
My early books were textbooks published by standard academic publishers. Going through the editing process I learned a lot about how to present information effectively and clearly, but the publisher had the final word on covers and appearance.
When I turned to writing fiction I decided to self-publish my books because I wanted to have control over the way they looked—the covers and the layout. I am very glad to be able to present my books in the way that I want them.
Now all of my books are self-published.
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
I think most books now should be published in both print and eBook format because they serve two different groups of readers. Also audiobooks are a format that I think is great for fiction. I haven’t published any of my books as audiobooks, but I am thinking of doing that.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
Whether you publish your books yourself or use a publisher, I think you should look at the way other books similar to yours have been published and consider using that publisher or self-publishing company. Also, it’s very useful to join a writers group and read writing blogs so you can learn more about the available choices.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
I have no experience with agents so I have no tips. What I have heard recently from people in my writer’s groups is that agents almost never take on a writer until he/she has a large following.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Of course the most important thing to do is to keep writing and then go back and revise, revise, revise. I generally go through four or five drafts of each book I write. I also think writers should try to join a writers group and get feedback on drafts. Beta readers are a great help. But don’t show your drafts to relatives and friends who are not interested in writing and may be very discouraging.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
I think the most surprising thing I learned was how difficult each step of the process is. Writing is very hard work, and so is revising and editing. And going through the publishing process requires patience and time. None of it is easy, but in the end you can get a lot of satisfaction from having produced a book you can be proud of.
11. How many books have you written?
4 nonfiction books and 3 fiction books, so far.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
No, I have no special tips except to say that it helps to read a great many books in the genre you are writing to understand how the experts do it.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
What I try to do is forget about the book and do something completely physical like cleaning the kitchen or going to the gym. That’s when great twists to the plot pop up out of nowhere.
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
A good cover helps, and a setting that is somewhat unusual plus, of course, likeable characters. My books take place in the early 19th century, which is a time that attracts quite a few readers.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Mostly I promote them through my blog www.teacupsandtyrants.com and by giving an occasional talk in a local library.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I would have started writing seriously earlier. I’ve wanted to write ever since I was in college, but I didn’t actual do it until my children were grown. I should have started sooner.