Post date: Aug 25, 2016 12:08:47 PM
Kathryn J. Bain interview with David Alan Binder
Dear Readers and Dear Writers
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Comments-Kathryn interview
There will be two winners drawn at random to win a PDF book by Kathryn J. Bain. Many thanks to Kathryn for providing the books.
Website: https://kathrynjbain.com/
Short bio from her website: I graduated from North Idaho Jr. College. I then packed my bags and moved to Boise where I lived for two years until I could no longer tolerate the winter weather.
Once my toes hit the sand in Florida, there was no turning back. I have lived in Jacksonville for over 26 years where I am a Florida Certified Registered Paralegal. I have worked in the legal field for over twenty years specializing in guardianship, probate and estate planning. I am also the mother of two grown daughters.
My first book Breathless was released January 13, 2012. Since then, I have had six other releases. I enjoy writing mystery, suspense, and humor. I am what they call a hybrid author because I publish both traditionally with a publisher, and I self-publish.
Some of my groups and leadership roles include:
President of Florida Sisters in Crime for 2010-2011.
The Public Relations Director for Ancient City Romance Authors, 2010-current.
Membership Director for Ancient City Romance Authors, 2012-2013
1. Where are you currently living (at least the state or if outside US then Country)?
Jacksonville, Florida.
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
It's harder than it looks. Too many people think they can write a book then start but don't finish. It takes a lot of perseverance and time.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I write a first draft that includes very little setting and description. I'm all for getting the suspense down first.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
I think you should do both. While you're waiting for your publisher, self-publish. This will help give you things to put out while you're waiting and allow you freedom to have sales or even put your book up for free. Self-publishing gives you more leeway than with a traditional publisher. Just do it right and use a professional for your cover and have it professionally edited - no matter how good you think you are with grammar.
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Whatever gets people reading I think is great.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
Be professional with everything from your website to the letters you send out. Treat your writing as a business. That includes not answering personal calls when you're writing. If you don't take it seriously, no one else will.
Be careful how you behave at events. You never know who's watching. I went to a book festival and the woman in front of me did nothing but berate her husband all the way inside. She refused to shake my hand when I introduced myself because apparently she was worried about germs. She's lucky I wasn't an agent she planned to pitch to because I'd have never signed her no matter how good her book was. Her actions told me she'd be a terrible person to work with.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
If you can do so, do it. They can handle contracts, help with marking, and get you in places you can't get into on your own. Plus they help promote your books. You probably hear a lot of NY Times bestselling authors who self-publish say they make more money by self-publishing. This is likely true. However, what they don't tell you is most of their fan base came from their large publisher.
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Learn from those who are where you want to be. I used read every book I could get my hands on when I first started, most free on Amazon. Most were garbage - poorly written, not edited. Now I only read NY times bestselling authors, because one day I will be one.
9. How many books have you written?
I've published 3 novellas and 5 full length novels. By the end of the year, I'll have another novella and another novel out for 10 total.
10. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Download software that reads your book back to you. Even if you read it out loud, you'll miss things. I use Natural Speaking which is free.
What's the worst thing you can do to your protagonist? Do it. And then go one step further.
11. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I do a Christian blog (non-writing), monthly ads on Facebook, have sales on my self-published books, co-chair conferences, speak at conferences, book festivals, etc.
12. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
When I first published, I went with a small publisher. I wish I'd waited to sign on with a larger publisher. It's very hard to get a publisher to do anything you ask, whether large or small, so you might as well go a bit bigger. Small publishers very seldom do any type of marketing including getting book reviews. So you should go with someone who at the very least will help with that.
13. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison