Jessica Tornese interview with David Alan Binder Bio from her website: Jessica Tornese’s debut novel, Linked Through Time, was inspired by her home town Baudette, MN. She graduated from high school there and continued her education at Minnesota State University – Moorhead where she earned a degree in education. Recently, she self-published her first juvenile fiction book for kids online. (see M&M Twins) WEBSITES: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard https://www.facebook.com/Linked-Through-Time-392292227468460/
1. How do you pronounce your name)? Jessica Tornese (Tor-Neese)
2. Where are you currently living? Florida
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? I enjoy writing about things that are personal. I weave in characters and places that are important to my life. It makes me more invested in the piece and more excited. When I write about other things, it’s hard to get a good understanding of them if I haven’t personally experienced some aspect of it.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk? I think I have a hard time writing in large chunks of time, so I guess how sporadic of a writer I am. It comes in waves- but that’s because I have a family and a full time job.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? It doesn’t seem to matter if you are a driven person. It really takes a lot of personal investment to sell your books. It takes every ounce of ingenuity that you put into your books to sell them as well. Marketing is the hardest part of being an author. a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they located?
I published with Solstice Publishing. One of their addresses is in Texas. 6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? I think e-books are a great thing to have now. They are cheaper and people will download without knowing much about it if the price is right. It’s really hard to break into the big publishing houses. If you are passionate about your writing, I would say- get the material out there and start selling. The more your name pops up, the better chances you have of building a following.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? Know how to write a great letter to introduce your book. Grab the attention of the reader with a quick selling synopsis and really be unique!
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? I tried approaching agents online. I have heard they are a great way to break into the bigger publishing houses, but I never heard back from some of the ones I tried contacting. It’s a tough business.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)? When trying to put your writing out there, be patient. Know the sources you are applying to and follow the entry/submission requirements carefully. Send your material out to as many different outlets as you can. And start gathering a following- you need people promoting your book as much as possible on social media. It is really hard to get noticed! 10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned with your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating? I didn’t have as much control over my cover as I would have liked. 11. How many books have you written? I have a Young Adult trilogy (Linked Through Time) published with Solstice, and one youth chapter book (M&M Twins) I self-published. I was planning on making it into a series, but I haven’t had time to write lately.
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)? I would definitely have a few trustworthy people read through the book before you publish it. Comments and questions are really helpful to polish the book.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story? Try not to give away too many things. The reader is typically smarter than you think, and you don’t want to give away too much or why keep reading? 14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd? My books have real life personal events woven into them. They are worked around the idea of my father’s family growing up poor on a farm in the Midwest. This book stands out to me, because it has events that are only mine and my family’s.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work? I tried magazine articles, author blogs and websites, Goodreads, Facebook, and book review websites.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why? I would research marketing strategies and book blogs with more energy. I would invest in social media type strategies or get someone to constantly feed my information out there. It’s an endless job to sell your book.
17. What saying or mantra do you live by? Be the change you wish to see in the world. –Ghandi
18. Anything else you would like to say? I just want to encourage reading. It is a true escape and there are so many great books out there! Support the new author! You never know what they have to offer.
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