Post date: Dec 12, 2017 11:50:33 PM
Jennifer Dawn Anderson interview with David Alan Binder
Links:
http://forbiddentears.wixsite.com/forbidden-tears
1. Where are you currently living?
I currently live in the State of Arkansas, known as the Diamond State. I live in a quaint little Mom and Pop town called Waldron in the river valley nestled near the beautiful Ouachita Mountains.
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
Word Play is allowable and the sky is the limit when it comes to writing and putting ideas to paper. The imagination is as big as your mind can allow it to be. Never let your mind limit your ability to create worlds of fantasy and wonder.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I use the ever so illustrious … in my works to mean that there is a pause or a passage of time in some way...or a change in direction or the flow of writing. I also tend to write in prose a good bit, meaning that I am quite straight forward more so than poetic in my written word of speech.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
Being a writer that has done both over the course of time I feel this is a personal choice, of course, there are less middle men in a sense when you self-publish rather than when you also have an agent in the mix of marketing; but there are always middle men in some sense of the venue you choose for publishing such as Amazon etc., they will always take their fees as will any marketing platform. Plus, it is not easy for everyone to get the structure required for the uploads for print on certain platforms as there are certain requirements and this can cost a pretty penny unless you know someone who is willing to do it for you at a reduced cost. It can be learned and self-taught but also quite time consuming for some people.
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they located?
I began my writing and publishing with Emerantia of Parnall-Gilbert in Dunedin New Zealand, a very influential agent and one I am very close to, in fact I am now partners with their agency for the purpose of publishing their author's works to DVD Audio. I have since begun my own publishing Company, Forbidden Tears Publishing Company.
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
I feel that with the way the world has evolved and fast paced as it is with technology driving us forward, many are turning to eBooks versus print in order to have the more on the go and on demand needs met. However, I still believe in print and feel there is still a large market and need for it. I feel that an author should entertain all avenues with their works to gain the best versatility and the most outreach for them and their works. Gain it all and do it all, it certainly never hurts.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
It can seem difficult to get published, but make sure you send your query letters in well written form, include the word count at the top, the title of the work, and the genre. Be straight forward, include a synopsis, brief outline of what your book is about, not making it a mystery to the company you seek to publish with after all they need to know your material and are not simply potential readers. Reach out to companies and do not get disheartened. One thing that as authors we learn to value is criticism and if we cannot cherish that to be something that enables us to improve and grow upon then we are not in the right business.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
This can be somewhat difficult as well. Many agents do not accept unsolicited material, but still some do...it's kind of hit and miss and again do not get disheartened, reach out and keep reaching out to various companies that are out there because they are there. Parnall Gilbert is one and so is Solstice Publishing Company, and more if you just google and keep searching and sending out your query letters.
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Yes, learn formatting, and editing. Make sure you read books also. To be a great author you must be a reader of works, I believe that helps you gain insight into your own writing and techniques. And always read your own works when finished writing. Edit your work and make sure you turn in your very best. Don't think that it will be edited by the company because even though yes, they do edits they miss things sometimes too. It takes you to be the best you in your writing to be the best writer. Take time and effort.
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned with your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
To me, it was just the thrill of seeing it come to life in paper form and book form. That was very special and touching my hands upon the pages of my first book released. The whole process was exciting from beginning to end both in me writing it and the time it took, but when the agent accepted the material and that whole process began with the publishing company a whole new set of excitements began. Editing, cover art, formatting, all of it was very interesting and a great learning experience. Something you just have to go through to truly understand.
10. How many books have you written?
I have written three books to date, and four screen plays. I am also a Film Producer and Director.
11. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)? Read other authors works, practice grammar and sentence games, play word games with your family; scrabble etc. Any techniques with words and sentence building and word play will be helpful.
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
Any good twist depends on the story itself of course, but also on having protagonists and antagonists that feed each other well, the plot of course and the ups and downs throughout. Suspense and lead in etc. It's hard to say without knowing a certain story but build up but do not give it away, then BAM! There it is.
13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
A Great log line, that eye catching line that grabs a reader and draws them makes one stand out from another...that all exclusive line that is the hook that brings the reader to reach out and say I have to read this book. Then there is the synopsis and the blurb that tells a bit about the book but gives nothing away...in fact it grabs the reader even more telling them this is a do not put down book! Cover art (The Book Cover) is also a very eye-catching point as well; it can grab a reader's eye as well drawing them to read that ever so touching blurb and log line that reels them in.
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Now days the best ways are available to us and that is via social media. Twitter, Facebook, websites, online pod casts and radio interviews.
15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
It's not what I would do differently but what I have done differently already. I self-publish now through my own company and do not use an agent. I started my own company to have more control over my edits and my work and over the royalties as well.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by? I always have lived according to my own ways I guess and so the saying I have used most in that, "I am the Picasso to everyone's Norman Rockwell." JDA 2009
I also use and coined the phrase, "Don't follow me into the madness of the world, just accompany me within my own." JDA 2011
17. Anything else you would like to say?
Forbiddentears_productions@yahoo.com
http://forbiddentears.wixsite.com/forbidden-tears
Thank you!
Jennifer Dawn Anderson (Public Name/Jennifer Dawn) Pen Name (Kateland Black)
Forbidden Tears Productions LLC Waldron and Hot Springs Arkansas
& Hollywood California.
Forbidden Tears Publishing Co.,
Forbidden Tears Productions
Music Recording Label-Marketing and Distribution.
Forbidden Tears Productions/MR Music Promotions United Kingdom.
Forbidden Tears Productions
(Believe in Your Dreams and Fly Arkansas Film Festival)
Owner/Executive Producer/Founder/Director