Casual Conversation #3

Visiting with UK author Rick Haynes

This chat is going to be a bit different.  Today's guest, Rick Haynes, is a new acquaintance for me too. It is nice to meet you! Can we start by having you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello, Cindy.

I was born in London not long after WWII finished. Food rationing was still in place. Looking back,

we were a poor family, yet it didn’t matter to me. I lived outside playing in the street with the other kids and loved it.

Luckily, my schooling enabled me to pass most of my exams. Unsurprisingly, it took me three attempts to pass maths. Surprisingly, I ended up working in finance until the day I retired. Why did I work for an industry I found difficult? Simples. I loved working with people struggling to understand the plethora of ways to provide for their future. From millionaires to dustmen, I was pleased to help them make crucial decisions.

I met a beautiful lady with a heart of gold. We were both immediately smitten although it took many years to live together and finally wed. She knows all my thoughts and can read me as easily as reading a book. Sometimes, in fact, many times, I tease her but never win. But it’s fun trying.

After so many operations, I was climbing walls and sinking into a deep mire of self-pity. Yet, my lass stood by me. And when she suggested writing my feelings down, the light bulb inside my head was switched on. Going back to school was fun, this time. The members of my writing group were supportive, the teacher inspirational. I read out my first piece of work. The members tried so hard to be kind but it was crap. Decision made then. It was time to listen and learn.

Writing is now my staff of life. I have written three novels, one novella, and been involved in several anthologies as well as many short tales. My stories have been published in Scribble magazine, The Portsmouth News, The Star and Garter, The Chania Post, and sometimes I get paid. Yippee!

As much as my body will allow, I live life to the full and have much fun along the way. Without a sense of humour, I’d probably be resting in a hospital waiting for God.

Thank you for having me.





Your life has been an adventure in itself!  I am so glad your better half supported you and led you to writing.  How blessed the world is to have two people so caring in it!  If I understand correctly, your operations happened after you retired? I do hope all that is taken care of now. One of your books, Bolt Out Of The Blue, is up next on my TBR so I will have a better idea of your writing by the time this chat is really underway.  Do you prefer to write longer or shorter stories?  Which of yours was the most fun to write, and where can we find it?




I write whatever I fancy but really enjoy writing Drabbles, which are tales of exactly 100 words excluding the title, as well as short tales and novels.
Do I have a preference? Probably not. Drabbles, like any other tale, must have a beginning, middle and end but the author only has 100 words to play with.
Now that really focuses the mind. Conversely, I would add there is a wonderful sense of euphoria when a new paperback of mine is sitting in my hand.
All my books are available on Amazon and I guess, my yet to be published novel, Outcast, gave me the greatest satisfaction once I finished it.Which one was the most fun to write? Without any doubt, Chocolate Chunks From Crazy Crete still makes me laugh.

We often visit and now have many true Cretan friends. They are zany, utterly bonkers at times, shout loudly and all have a tale to tell.
Based on their, and my own, experiences, I put together a collection of short tales.
Some are true, some are based on truth and a few are fiction - yet knowing my crazy friends - could have happened.

I have never heard of Drabbles before. They sound similar to what I have heard called "flash fiction".  It is amazing that you can write a whole story using so few words.  Do you have them in a collection?  Would you like to share one here?


Delighted to oblige, Cindy. Drabbles are indeed flash fiction.

I published two collections of short stories and Drabbles - Drabbles 'N' Shorts and 'Shorts 'N' Drabbles. Both had a good spread of English humour.
Here is one of my favourite Drabbles.

My Little Runaway.
Where are you going to my little runaway?
There’s only pain today.
Is it true you are lost my precious runaway?
Just hunger pangs today.
There’s no one at home who understands you.
So how will you cope in the cold and the dark?

Your world so empty.
Your life so sad.

There are no answers little runaway.
Where will you be sleeping tonight?
There are no sympathies precious runaway.
So how will you feel tonight?

But maybe tomorrow will be brighter.
For maybe your star will shine.
So turn around my little runaway.
Heaven’s too full of your kind.


That is awesome!  So much said in so few words!  Drabbles are powerful!  Glad to see you have collections available!  I am definitely checking them out!  What made you decide to write a full length novel?

Full length novels give more scope for greater description and development of characters. And what a feeling when you see the first printed copy of your new book.
Short tales are fun. I can, and often do, write in any genre that takes my fancy. Usually, a picture opens up my mind and my vivid imagination takes over from thereon.
However, whilst writing a novel is hard work - double checking, triple checking etc. etc.- the satisfaction when the book is finished is fantastic.
I do hope you enjoy Bolt Out of The Blue and I thank you. It was my first attempt at writing something as large as a novella.


Bolt Out of The Blue was very good.  I was a sort of expecting an "Alice in Wonderland" type story when Bolt turned out to be a white rabbit.  I am glad it wasn't.  Such an original story.  How did you come up with the idea of saving the farm?  I always thought "trusts" had time limits, is it different in the UK?

 I was fed up with reading about sex, violence, self gratification etc. and wanted to write something for all the family.
White rabbits were seen as something special, a bit magical, so I thought my tale would be good for the old and the young.
I wasn't ready to write a novel - I hadn't finished my apprenticeship so to speak - thus I decided on a novella.
Looking at a picture of a farm brought back many memories. For 5 or 6 years my family spent 2 weeks on the same farm.
My sons loved the call of nature and are now passionate about wildlife.I used my experiences as a base for the story. Along with a white rabbit, it seemed to work.
I'm no expect on trust law but I believe you can set up a lifetime trust in the UK. As someone whose father fought in WWII, the idea of going back in time seemed apt.
With so many soldiers billeted in that area, I thought the idea of US involvement would work.


 It worked perfectly!  My father and step father fought in WWII also.  Strangely I never consider how the people in Europe were and still are affected by the destruction. Bolt Out Of The Blue was interesting and even seemed possible. I loved how you pulled the end together too, unexpected yet somehow it fit.
What are you working on now? Another novel I hope!


My latest novel, not yet published, is entitled Outcast. I loved writing it as the words simply appeared.
Apart from drawing a map, and researching as I went along, I didn't pre-plan.
My main protagonist, Sigbjorn, has a host of mixed morals, like most humans.
Some readers will likely say he's vile, whilst others will applaud his desire to survive. To me, he is both.


Outcast sounds like it is going to be amazing!  I will definitely be watching for it!  Are you planning to make any of your works available in audio form?  I know lots of people are going in that direction.

Now Available

Thank you for your interest in Outcast, Cindy. I believe it's my best work so far. The eBook version of Outcast is live. And the paperback will follow as soon as I receive an acceptable proof copy.
I know Audio books are becoming very popular, and I fully understand why.
A year back, someone mentioned how expensive they were for the author to produce. I guess that remark put me off.
Maybe they were wrong and I should take a look at them in the future.
Alas, so much time and so little to do.
Only joking - do reverse that quip.








It does seem like the days are getting shorter and the "to do lists" longer as I get older. 

What is your process for finding covers?  Do they come first then the story, or do you envision the wrapper once you write "The End"? 

original cover

All but one of my book covers were made by a professional cover creator. The original cover for Heroes Never Fade was mine; I thought it great. However, whilst a top blogger in the US gave me a stunning review, he told me the cover wasn’t right for the US market. Thus, the new cover for the 2nd edition is almost ready for publication.
A great cover will, hopefully, stand out for any reader of Epic Fantasy. And in some ways it’s as important as the tale inside. As I write the story, ideas of suitable covers appear inside my head but I always wait until the first draft is ready. I’ll discuss with my excellent cover designer, give him some ideas and await his magic.
And finally.





These covers for your 2 book series are amazing!  

new cover

I have enjoyed our chat!  It was nice learning about the person behind your stories besides just hearing about the books themselves.  They are  now part of my library and I am looking forward to reading them all.  Thank you so much for taking the time to do this with me.  Sorry I made it so complicated.


Cindy, may I extend my sincere thanks to you for giving me such an opportunity.
May the sun always shine in your heart.

You can find Rick:

WEBSITE:
rickhaynesauthor.com

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/rick.haynes.9028

E-MAIL:  
profnexus@yahoo.co.uk

AMAZON:
 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Rick+Haynes&ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_bl_sr

Casual Conversation #2

Visiting with Eva Pasco

Hi!  Hope you have your coffee ready!  Today I am chatting with another good friend and fellow author, Eva Pasco. Eva, would you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, Cindy! Thanks for the invitation to chat with you! On account of our friendship, I feel as though you’ve opened the door to your home, as you do your heart, through your poetry which resonates with warmth and genuineness.

I’m a late bloomer who revived my flair for writing after retiring from teaching inside the third grade trenches. Midlife restlessness lit a fire under my butt to write stories I’d like to read.



I am glad you are willing to chat.  I wish we were closer to do this in person. Thank you for the compliment on my poems.

Rhode Island is one of the few states my husband and I never went to while we were driving as non-dedicated.  I loved your book, An Enlightening Quiche. To be honest, I decided to read it because you said there were recipes included and I was searching for a particular quiche recipe.  I found myself totally immersed quickly.  It is no wonder it has received so many awards.  Congratulations on all of them, they are truly deserved.  My question is how did you decide to have the cooking contest a Quiche bake-off?  I would have expected "The Dynamite" sandwich to be your choice. 

 A-a-h! The Dynamite--Northern Rhode Island’s stiff and spicier version of the Sloppy Joe!

Now that you mention it, my story could have very well centered on a “crock”  rivalry because I’ve certainly dabbled with Rosie Thibeault’s  original recipe.

Instead, I chose the quiche bake-off because I found a way to parlay my own crustless version based on tried-and-true ingredient tweaks.


Your personal bake-off became the basis of the story, how original!  I know you worked at a small factory when you were younger also. I have two questions this time.  I loved how you used Casablanca in the book.  It fit perfectly.  Is it a favorite movie for you or was it just picked because of the secrets and hidden agendas? My second question is, do you feel your personal experiences influencing the story is what has made it so realistic?  I mean, I for one, felt like I was a citizen observing everything.


Casablanca has been and continues to be my all-time favorite movie. It just so happened to blend into the story. For one thing,  there’s the French connection, if you will. Most importantly, its heart-wrenching themes
resonate with my protagonist’s character development: loyalty and self-sacrifice.

To authenticate antiquated methods of day-to-day operations at my fictitious mill in ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ I fell back on my own factory jobs at the now defunct Sidney-Higgins Bookbinding Co.

Then, having taught in the once predominantly French-Canadian village of Manville, Rhode Island, I strived to capture its spirit in my mill town of Beauchemins. Both of these aspects enabled me to pay tribute to memories I cherish.

Thank you for reiterating that you felt “like a citizen observing everything”! This is what I had hoped to achieve to bring my story to life on so many levels.



An Enlightening Quiche is in fact your second book. In your first book, Underlying Notes, you also used your personal experiences to good use.  You told me you were a perfume lover and had develved deeply into the various blends used to create the scents as does  Carla Matteo, your main character.  The story centers on her midlife crisis, was this because you had just retired and were experiencing one?

When I first retired from teaching, there was plenty of life—as I knew it—to catch up on.  I delved into painting and stenciling handmade furniture, even designing my own templates.
 From there, I amassed genealogical research about my maternal grandparents. Then, I compiled a notebook of recipes. One of which would become my “enlightening quiche”. 


Through all of this I was still very restless midlife, manifested by my forays into fragrance, a lifelong passion honed in childhood. I allude to a true incident in Chapter 1 of ‘Underlying Notes.’
No surprise, like Carla, I had been a member of a perfume forum whose likeminded enthusiasts only fueled the fire for more perfume acquisitions.  Back then I referred to myself as a “fragrance floozy”.  

One day, I decided to parlay this unusual addiction into a story propelled by fragrance where the ominous rose note in ‘Paloma Picasso’ channels Carla’s troubled past.


Your knowledge of fragrances is extensive.  I remember our discussing that I only wore jasmine (hence my daughter's name) for most of my life.  Then I found Obsession and began wearing that. I had finally strayed from jasmine! As it turned out, I hadn't strayed far as you told me it has jasmine in it. 

Your restlessness was a gift for us readers!  You taught children for most of your life.  How did you make the decision to write Contemporary Women's novels? Is there a reason you do not write children's books?


There is a reason I don’t write children’s books. Prior to retiring from my career in elementary education, teaching became a way of life, as it is for most in the profession.
When I made the decision to retire after 29 years in the trenches, I closed that door behind me. I’ve never been one to dwell in the past.

My chosen writing genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction matches the books I prefer to read, with the stipulated introspection.


I can truly understand wanting to make a fresh start at retirement.  Leaving the past behind is difficult, but I am glad you were able to do it.  Your books are original in their subject matter as well as being fully fleshed out. 

Speaking of past, besides your two novels, you have also released a book of memories of growing up in the 60s, 100 Wild Mushrooms. Did you have a hard time picking which memories to share?  Or were there any you didn't share that you wished you had?



The release of my Mushroom Memoirs came about as a result of encouragement from a friend to put all 100, originally published at'The Sixties Official Site,' into a collection. I did so primarily so my grandnephew would have family memories to fall back on. Give or take a few, most of the originals are in the collection after a thorough going over. I'm chuckling because had I written "The Dentist" prior to publication, you can be sure I would have had "101" Wild Mushrooms.


Here's an excerpt:

Proud of his innovative “jet drill, ” a high-speed hand tool capable of a cutting speed over 180,000 rpm, Dr. Piccolo charmed me into foregoing Novocain prior to filling a small cavity. Thereby, I could avoid the painful jab from a needle, and eliminate waiting for the narcotic to take effect. This became his standard procedure for the drill and fill. It struck a nerve!


Now that is a teaser!  I am having sympathy pains and I have false teeth!
Besides having a blog where you share your thoughts, I know you participated in  an anthology, Once Upon A Fabulous Time.  How did that come about? Is it something you plan on doing again? 

No pun intended based on our previous conversation, but my participating in the Indie Fab anthology was like pulling teeth. I wasn't going to--at all! Then, out of the blue, my perverted version of 'The Wizard of Oz' channeled through me. Just had to write it! Actually, I even love "Mr. Wizardo":

(Baxter Springs, Kansas) – A twist of fate! Ten years after graduating from Franklin High, four troubled individuals indebted to their guidance counselor, Oscar Wizardo, wend their way back home to attend his funeral. 
Grappling with their demons, dilemmas, and despair—discover what destiny holds in store for each of them.

Would I ever participate in another anthology? NO! While I enjoyed the spirit of comraderie and totally respect the creative talents of my fellow authors, I selfishly wish "Mr. Wizardo" was mine alone.  True, I could always publish it separtely, but, for me, it's a foregone conclusion.


You are working on a new novel (I am patiently waiting for it.) What is the title of the book you are working on now? (you could share a little piece with us if you want...hint, hint) Which is what my final question to do with--your titles.  You have hidden meanings in them.  How did you come up with the idea? It is perfect!


My current work in progress in Contemporary, of course, is titled ‘Aida’s Fishing Ground’. At this point in time, I’m rounding the bend to completing ch. 27. Doesn’t mean I’ll be finished any time soon, but there you are.

I’m happy to share an excerpt from the Prologue which indicates the influence of local setting in mindset:

Wyatt rued the day he came across Aida Rizzio sketching on Breezy Hill, a prehistoric archaeological site which surrendered pottery remnants dated from 500 – 1000 AD! From that afternoon on, a tug o’ war ensued.

The gravitational pull to uphold Mad Daddy Wayne’s straight and provincial convictions, vying with the wrenching of his heartstrings by an inapproachable Eyetalian-Catholic Hippie whose dad was at odds with his, tore him apart.

In hindsight, he wished he’d shot her right then and there when he had her in the sight lens of the IC/M 12-gauge he used for hunting birds and rabbits.

Right you are about the hidden and multiple meanings of my book titles—or, I wouldn’t be me!  I came up with the idea for this title based on the backdrop of fishing in the novel—which is but one minor aspect in comparison
to the big picture which is where Aida comes in. The reader becomes aware of the title’s significance in chapter 5.

Can't resist: When this novel is road ready: For better, or for worse—trespass and traverse on Aida’s fishing ground in Foster, Rhode Island.

Thank you so much for the interview invitation! I thoroughly enjoyed our repartee! As always, I look forward to more of your resonating rhymes foretold from the voices in your head.


Eva, thank you so much for chatting with me!  I have had a blast and am even more excited about your new book!  I do appreciate your compliments on my poems. 


Eva is a wonderful author and blogger.  You can find her here:


Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Eva-Pasco/e/B00HWMLHL0/

Eva's Web Page @ Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=65583

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1270775.Eva_Pasco

A Casual Conversation

A Visit With A Friend

Today I would like to introduce a dear friend and fellow author.  Hi, Erika. Welcome to my blog.  Before we begin, could you tell us a little about yourself. 

I'm a writer because someone once told me I shouldn’t waste my time. I'm stubborn and follow my dreams no matter if others approve or not.
I write speculative alternate history fiction, romantic urban fantasy, historical suspense novels as well as fun, educational, and bilingual books for children ages 2-14 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them. I also like to encourage children to use their imagination and daydream about fantasy worlds.

I am glad someone said you shouldn't waste your time!  You write in a wide range of genres, where do you get the inspiration for your books?

I get inspirations mostly from my life experiences, people I meet, childhood memories.
Just one example:I was a young teenager when grandma sold her house and asked me to help to clean the attic. I’ve found a rolled-up leather scroll-like document with fancy writing and grandpa’s name in it in an old wicker basket. Grandma said it was the deed to the 300 acres land grandpa owned before the communists took it away and turned it into a government property. The deed was called “dog skin” and grandma explained that back then paper was scarce.  When the family dogs died, the owners preserved the animal’s skin to use as paper for important documents.One day I recalled this memory and it triggered an avalanche of unrelated thoughts. That’s when the idea for my book “Cursed Bloodline” was born. 

Wow that is something.  What a treasure to have something so important saved for future generations.  I hope you still have it in your possession.  I enjoyed that book, the story-line has stayed with me. 

I know you are Hungarian, so I bet you have lots of traditions and legends that would be unheard of by most Americans.  In the original version of your Ancestors' Secrets series I remember you used Hun writing at the beginning of the chapters.  Was this series inspired by your family history?  Ilona, the main character, is a Doctor, was that planned because of your nursing background, or did it just seem to fit?

The ancient writing, called Rovasiras, is coming back. Now there are publishers, libraries, and even private schools that use the ancient runes. Hungarian legends are not widely known, and the history of the Hungarians had been distorted many times and false information added to history books. For example, the great King, Attila, is still depicted as a brute savage in history books. But, in fact, he was one of the most educated man of his time.Ilona in the Ancestors' Secrets trilogy was meant to be a doctor. I wanted to emphasize her struggle between using modern healing methods and her inherited ability to heal with her touch. The story was inspired by grandma telling me about the ancient beliefs and religion, my dad telling me the legends such as the legend of the White Stag and the Sword of Attila and reading about the new discoveries of Hun history.

Just curious, I know you have translated your books into Spanish, are any available in your native language? My real next question is which of your characters was the hardest for you to write?

Funny you ask because a lot of people think I speak Spanish knowing that some of my books are translated to Spanish. The truth is that I know only a few words and phrases I picked up communicated via translator with Spanish speaking patients during my nursing career. An English teacher in Spain translated my trilogy and 2 of my children's books.I have two health related books published in Hungarian but to translate my fiction books is in my future plan. It is a long and difficult process because the Hungarian language is unique.Just as a comparison: using 2,500 to 3,000 words in English, you can understand 90% of everyday English conversations.Hungarians use a vocabulary of 600,000 to 800,000 words in everyday language and because the descriptions, words, and phrases are very specific, it takes careful consideration to chose the correct words to be perfectly clear, especially in children's stories.

 

Example of a passage in English and in Hungarian

For me, the hardest characters to write are the male characters because I'm a woman, so I have to imagine how they think and feel.

I did not realize translating into your native language could be so hard.  Wow! It seems Hungarian is as elaborate as Chinese. The writing is gorgeous!  Males think?  LOL  just kidding.  I understand what you are saying though.
As you mentioned, you write in several different genres.  Are you able to pick and choose what you will be writing about?  Or, are you like me meaning the ink flows solely at the will of your muse?

That's funny! Well, some males, and females as well, give you the feeling sometimes that thinking is not their best ability.We often say that our muse talk to us or inspire us. Muse or just imagination, I don't get inspiration too often. Sometimes months fly by and I don't write a word and the suddenly, something triggers my imagination and the thoughts, actions, and feelings start to flow almost non-stop until I finish the story. The best I can describe my writing method is that it's like a string of pearls. If I catch the first pearl on the string and start writing, the sentences lead me to the next pearl and then to the next, until the story is complete.I don't plan or outline the story in my mind, or like many authors do,write notes. I either don't write because nothing triggered the flow, or write non-stop until I'm, done. And this applies to my children's books as well.For example: I was watching a video about a talking parrot and it made me think. What if the parrot only speaks Spanish and nobody understands him? I wrote the story and when I showed it to the translator who was working on my fantasy series, she thought it would make a great book if I'd add the English and Spanish pages side by side. This is how the story of Pico, the Pesky Parrot was born.

That is so cool! I am at the mercy of the voices, literally.  They tell me what to write and when I am going to do it, lol.  Like you, anything can trigger them (they are especially fond of me saying I cannot write something).Your children's books are fun to read and they teach lessons without being obvious about it. I was impressed with the one Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers.  It is a beautiful way to introduce children of all ages to the importance of learning sign language.Your newest release, Rainbows and Clouds, is a collection of stories about your experiences and those of friends and neighbors.  Is there any story in the collection which touches you the most?  Also, will you be doing another book of this type?

Your Voices give my husband and me so much joy! And I admire your special talent of sending me a poem five minutes after something in our conversation triggered your Voices. Your latest poem, Tears in the Wind, that you wrote for my new book, Alone, has a special place in my book and I treasure it.My children's book, Look I Can Talk With My Fingers, is special to me. I meet a lot of wonderful people with some form of disability in my line of work as a nurse. It always saddens me when I see the difficulties their illness or condition cause and the ridicule and isolation they have to endure.Yes, there is a very special story in Rainbows and Clouds. The story of Little Johnny. This painful memory stayed with me throughout my nursing career and I'll never forget this little boy who loved listening to my stories when he felt a little better between treatments. I told him a story about how my best friend and I saved for kittens the cruel neighbor wanted to drown in the river. I never had a chance to tell him the end of the story. There were only a few minutes left to tell him how Daniel and I dealt with the neighborhood bullies and saved the kittens, but when I entered little Johnny's room the next morning, his bed was empty.When I wrote this story into a children's book last year, in memory of little Johnny, I gave the title to the book he came up with: A Basketful of Kittens. 

I'm glad you liked the poem I wrote and I am honored that it will be included in your book! I was thrilled to beta read it for you this morning.  It is fantastic!The story about Johnny is very touching.  How sweet of you to use his title as a memorial to him.  That makes both stories even more special.You are very talented and the assortment of books you have written is amazing.  I know you also create your covers for yourself and others. The new one you created for my upcoming audio book is gorgeous! How do you come up with the concepts?  Are they based on the story-line or do you create covers and then find one to fit it?

I'm honored to have to your poem in my book!In Hungarian Johnny's title is: Egy Kosárnyi Kiscica and I translated it word for word: A Basketful of Kittens. It is a special story not only because I couldn't finish telling it to Johnny, but because it always reminds me of my long lost childhood friend, Daniel.Thank you so much for the compliment, I'm so glad you like your audio cover!
When I design covers I like to capture either an emotional moment of the story or the concept of the book. When I designed your cover, I tried to depict how we travel from birth to reaching our final destination in time. Time is cruel and the flow in our hourglass is steady, but our actions that touched people's, lives will stay after we're gone. 

audio cover created by Erika for me

As I was hinting, along with being an exceptionally talented author, you also have a publishing business.  Not only are the covers you create unique and eye-catching, you format book interiors to be stunning and personal.  Your books have special touches for each chapter.  I was lucky to have your special attention used on the interiors of my newest releases.  What you did was not only special but so touching.  Is this a style you use with all books you format?  How do you decide what to use? It seems you have remarkable insights.

Thank you for the compliment! My company, Golden Box Books, offers publishing help to self-published authors who don't have the time or don't want to learn every step of the publishing process. When I format books I try to find the right style for each book depending on the genre besides following formatting guidelines that required by publishing sites. The setting of eBooks allows only basic decorative elements, but with personal touches, added pictures or drawings, I try to match the genre and the atmosphere of the books. 

You do a beautiful job.  I have enjoyed our little chat, I do hope you have too.  For my final question, I would like to ask how you come up with all the original ideas for marketing? Your GIFs and videos are so fascinating.

I can't really take credit for that; I'm blessed with creativity. My dad was artistic, and he made my first easel when I was just 4 years old. Although my heart made me follow my calling to become a nurse, I never abandoned art. Luckily, my daughter inherited the artistic talent and she took it to a much higher level than I ever did.I rarely participate in author interviews because I have a hard time answering the generic -one shoe fits all- questions. But you've managed to make it interesting and fun by tailoring your questions for me. Thank you, I really enjoyed it.

Thank you so much for volunteering to be my guinea pig! You are not only a very talented woman, you are generous.  Your support and assistance to Indie authors is unparalleled. I hope you get the recognition your works deserve.  

Authors I highly recommend Erika's publishing services.  Readers the same goes for her books!

Where to find Erika:
Website:
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com 
Publisher website:
https://wwww.goldenboxbooks.com 
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MultiGenreBooks
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorErikaMSzabo/ 
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-m-szabo-8294421b/

Marketing Experiment

Rhymes Through Time

books2read.com/Rhymes-Through-Time

I was getting frustrated trying to figure out how to market poetry books.  I had two out, Voices In My Head and They Won't Shut Up but sales were flat-lined. Those that had the first two wanted me to publish again, but I really could not find a legitimate reason to pour more money down this seemingly bottomless pit. 

Cost was not my only deterrent. I had the poems, I had more than enough of them to publish another book.  The problem was I could not find a cover that would connect to the first two books.  I figured I would wait it out and see if a solution would come to me.

Suddenly an idea light-bulb had appeared inside my head!  Amazon had Kindle Unlimited!  I could have a small book with samples of the first two and some new stuff and offer it there!  I would be letting people see what I do and advertising all three books at the same time!

A dear friend, Wren Liddle, created a beautiful cover for me and I set about deciding how to do the interior.  Since it was a sample book, I decided not to sort the poems into sections like I had the first two. Instead, I decided it would be completely random. I selected poems from each book and from those unused on my computer by pulling their titles out of a hat.  Then I placed all the selected titles in the hat and picked the order they would appear.

I published Rhymes Through Time only as an e-book and submitted it to Kindle Unlimited.  Unfortunately, by the time I decided to play with KU, the rules had changed and not in a way that benefited a poetry book.  I removed it from the service but left it available as an e-book.  I assumed that since it had poems already available in print no one would care to have it in paperback. It was several years later that I was talked into having a print version created.  With a back cover poem already written, and the help of my friend Erika Szabo, https://www.goldenboxbooks.com, I quickly had my third book in print.

It has been a while but, Rhymes Through Time is again being used as an experiment.  At the suggestion of Erika, I submitted it to be formatted as an audio book.  It is being narrated by Linda A. Hynson and will soon be available on ACX!  In fact, I just listened to the first 15 minutes and accepted it!  To hear my poems read by such a talented woman is a surreal experience.  I am beyond excited!  Erika again came to my rescue when she informed me a new cover would be needed for the audio book as it had to be designed as a square.  This is the gorgeous cover she created for me!

 

I  am looking forward to hearing the completed book!  Will more audio books be coming?  I am not sure.
Find Cindy on her:
Website:
http://carternovels.com/author-cindy-j-smith.html
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cindysvoices
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/CindysVoices/
GOODREADS:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6505989.Cindy_J_Smith
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/cindyjsmith1/

Kindness comes in all shapes

Gifts Of Love

Created for me by Martha Perez

 

I write poems, that is basically the extent of my talents.  My abilities to create promotional material is very limited.  I had begun to figure out PicMonkey and Animoto then they both became paid sites so that ended my attempts at mastering anything.  My internet is flaky at home because I live in the middle of nowhere (and Verizon cannot even decide which state I live in so it jumps towers).  As a truck driver, it jumps towers so much I lose most of what I am trying to upload.  So I basically gave up.

 

As you can see from the above picture, I did not give up much!
Lucky for me I have friends who are kindhearted and create stuff for me.  Jessica House has created numerous pictures for my poems and even created the cover design for Words On The Wind!  

 

 

 Other friends created my videos and other promotional pictures.  Barbie Liddle, Jenny Bynum,  Karina Kantas ,  Aileen Aroma and  M.C.V. Egan to name a few.

 

Erika M Szabo  is another dear friend who has done so much for me.  She has created a gif for me of all my books, reformatted and uploaded them all to D2D.  My latest books which make up a 4 book collection, she enhanced creating visual masterpieces.  Her tender heart found a way to honor my daughter even more in the section of her poems.

I wish to thank them all.  Their generous offerings are so appreciated. They were not obligated to do anything for me, it was just their kindness, pure and simple.

So, when you read about "authors" who send "trolls" out to defile someone's name and talent, consider these wonderful people and know the bad apples are not in the majority!

Find Me:

Website:
http://carternovels.com/author-cindy-j-smith.html
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cindysvoices
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/CindysVoices/
GOODREADS:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6505989.Cindy_J_Smith
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/cindyjsmith1/