Sharon Hamilton interview with David
Alan Binder
Furnished Bio: NYT and USA/Today Bestselling Author Sharon Hamilton’s SEAL Brotherhood series have earned her top author rankings of #1 in Romantic Suspense, Military Romance and Contemporary Romance. Her characters follow a sometimes rocky road to redemption through passion and true love. Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany earned her a #1 ranking in Gothic Romance. A lifelong organic vegetable and flower gardener, Sharon and her husband live in the Wine Country of Northern California, where most of her stories take place. Website: http://www.authorsharonhamilton.com/ Blog: http://sharonhamiltonauthor.blogspot.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/199125-sharon-hamilton-readers-group Online Store: https://sharon-hamilton-author.myshopify.com/ Newsletter: http://authorsharonhamilton.com/contact.php#mailing-list Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharonHamilton Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/sharonlhamilton
1. Where are you currently? California
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? Becoming a successful author is a marathon, not a sprint. Quit comparing my success with others’.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk? I write to instrumental music, candles and big “church-like” spaces or open coffee houses. I do whatever spurs emotions within me first, so I can get it on the page.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? I self publish by choice. There is great freedom in this, but you have to be disciplined. You pay for everything, but you control everything – even the things you don’t know about. So learn quick!
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? Being an older writer, I didn’t have time to wait until I got a NY contract. I also had a marketing background, so many of the things I have to do are things I knew a little bit about. eBooks are easily 80% of my business. 10% are audio books, 10% print books. I control all of them.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? Getting a book published is easy. You can do it in a day. Actually making $$ while doing it, or doing it well is more difficult. It’s all about getting discovered, not getting published. Being published with no sales is the Booby Prize.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? I won a contest and someone offered to represent me. But I didn’t use that agent to publish my books. I’m 100% Indie.
8.
Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please
be specific and informational as possible)? 9. How many books have you written? 28
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)? Get a critique partner or two. Hire 1-2 editors for every book.
11.
Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
12. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd? Each author has their own voice. It takes a couple of books before you learn what yours is.
13. What are some ways in which you promote your work? Facebook, Facebook parties, Street Team, Review Crew, bloggers, review sites, book signings, conventions and special events & book festivals.
14. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why? I’d write faster and not waste so much time trying to get published or get an agent. Get the work out. Write several books before you release them.
15. What saying or mantra do you live by? Write Fierce. Force yourself to write every day. No excuses. Sharon Hamilton’s book list SEAL Brotherhood Bad Boys of SEAL Team 3 Band of Bachelors True Blue SEALs True Navy Blue (prequel to Zak)
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