Kristin Tualla and Rebecca Lynn
This month two CHRW members discuss their careers and the e-publishing phenomenon.
Welcome REBECCA and KRIS.
Please start off by telling us about yourself; where you were born, where you are now.
REBECCA: I joke about being a Third Culture Kid because I was born and raised on the border of Canada and the US. Quite literally. The land my dad farms actually borders Canada. In fact, I could tell you a great story about accidentally driving across the border one time. It's just a fence, after all. Since then, I've lived all over, but now call Southwest Montana my home. Surrounded by four mountain ranges, I can't complain about anything here. Except the snow. I guess it comes with the territory.
KRIS: I am a midwestern gal, transplanted by choice to Phoenix. I have been quite happily baking here in the desert since 1975.
Is there anything about your life that would surprise most people?
REBECCA: I think a lot of people would be surprised by the fact that I'm a pastor. I do write inspirational romance, but I also write romance that does not have any kind of religious context. I've also pastored a church that met in a bar--we call it "Pub Church." It's a great group of people.
KRIS: I am a retired high school teacher, but not of English or History. Considering I’m now a writer and my passion is historical fiction, this surprises most people.
What kind of jobs did you have before you began writing? Were any “strange”?
REBECCA: Aside from pastoring a pub church, which I still do, I've done many things, although I think that might be the strangest.
KRIS: Let’s see: Special Ed teacher, Full-time Mom, Travel Agent, Art teacher, Soon-to-be-famous-Author. Nope. Pretty run of the mill.
Please tell us about the stories you write.
REBECCA: I write contemporary inspirational romance, historical romance, and some paranormal. I currently have one ms with a big NY publisher and two novellas with e-pubs. None of them have been contracted yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing how this all turns out. This first year has been a whirlwind. A great one, but a whirlwind nonetheless.
KRIS: How much space do you have? All of my heroes – and one heroine, so far – are members of the fictional Hansen family of Arendal, Norway. Different generations, different continents, the same Viking blood. This gives my books a common thread, while at the same time allowing me the freedom to explore any time or location from 1354 in Scotland to 1840 on the Santa Fe Trail!
What do you think is the key to a memorable romantic story?
REBECCA: The emotional arc of the story. I've read books with characters who were less than memorable, whose plots were not really that interesting; but when an author can make me *feel* something, I remember it. In fact, I probably remember the
emotional experience of a book more than I remember the writing or the characters or the plot. That is not true of all fiction for me, but definitely for romance.
KRIS: Characters that are real, believable, and relatable. They have to be written in such a way that their conflicts are deep enough that readers give a hoot what happens to them.
Where do you get your story ideas?
REBECCA: Mostly from my dreams. I have these vivid, sense-surround dreams, complete with plot and character development. All of the books I've finished first came from dreams that I wrote down and then fleshed out. I'm not Stephenie Meyers or anything; but I definitely write from my dreams.
KRIS: My characters begin to grow in my mind. I keep writing until they are satisfied with the telling.
Which of your stories has been your favorite to write?
REBECCA: Definitely the Scottish historical, which is the only thing I've written that has gotten *NO* interest from anyone who's ever seen it. Except my best friends. They adored it. Everyone else, including me, thinks it's a throw-away. But it
was the most fun I've ever had writing a novel. I was 20 years old when I wrote it and I spent three solid months just researching (in the library!) and doing plot outlines. Then I wrote it in three months. Over 100,000 words. It was
fantastic. Since then, I've tried to re-write it; and I just can't get it to a place that is really interesting to anyone but me. So it'll go in my novel graveyard; but it was the most fun I've ever had writing a book.
KRIS: That’s a hard one. Probably my 17th-century deaf private investigator. He’ll be the last one out of the chute; early 2012 it looks like. I know a little ASL (American Sign Language) but when I think about how he communicates I am so drawn into HIS language that the ASL fades away.
Which character have you had the most fun creating?
REBECCA: Probably the mc of my contemporary inspy that finaled in the Genesis this year. He starts off the book a very emotionally crippled smoke-jumper who's been in a horrific accident and lost the use of his legs. His anger was so hard to handle. He was the most complex character I've ever written. His redemption story was by far the coolest thing I've ever written.
KRIS: Him. The detective.
Which character have you had the hardest time creating?
REBECCA: The heroine for my smoke-jumper. It was really hard to write a woman who would give Sean the compassion and love that he needed. I based her very closely on a friend of mine. At least, parts of her personality. Half the time, I would start
writing myself into her character and have her yelling at him, telling him off, leaving him floating in the pool (quite literally) by himself. Then I would have to go back and say, alright, Becks, this is not Jaclyn, this is you... go back and erase all that anger. I think I was more like Sean than Jaclyn; so it was really hard to write her because I had a hard time seeing how she could love him. It ended up beautifully, I think.
KRIS: The hero who is NOT a Hansen (it’s HER in that story).
Do you believe a writer should follow the current market trend in order to make a sale?
REBECCA: There's a balance in this, for me. If you're writing a Scottish historical romance, you need to know that the market is saturated with new voices. A story that might have sold ten years is just not going to sell today. The romances that you loved reading when you grew up are not a great place to find your inspiration. Be up on what is coming out and try to get a feel for what editors are buying.
But by all means, don't write something you don't want to write. I think it's ludicrous for me to tell you what you can and can't write. But be really aware of your voice. I spent so much time reading historicals, I assumed I'd have a great historical voice. I've found that I really have a more contemporary voice. It took me awhile, after I discovered this, to get caught up on the contemporary market. Once I did, I really enjoyed myself. It took some experimentation. Once I found my place, I really enjoyed it. So I would say, if you're writing steampunk because steampunk is supposedly selling but you can't stand it, then stop writing it.
Every editor and agent I've ever talked to has said that what they're looking for is a good story. Tell a good story and worry about the market later.
KRIS: I began with American historicals and Norse heroes. So, no. I am following a different publishing path as a result of being rejected because – and I quote - “Publishers like their boxes.”
What is the best advice you've received in your career?
REBECCA: To trust my own voice. I had a hard time finding my voice. Once I did, I felt really comfortable in it. It had been a hard road to that point; now it definitely feels more natural.
KRIS: Take control and work your ass off.
How many hours a week do you spend writing?
REBECCA: I spent roughly 30 hours a week writing, researching, and editing. I also spend about 15 hours a week reading and writing blogs. I happen to be a person who loves blogging; and not everyone is. I understand that. It was actually
through blogging that I really discovered my voice; so I think I'll stick with it for now. :-)
KRIS: I spend 60-70 hours a week on my career as a whole. This includes writing, editing & promotion. I am an Authorprenuer.
What are some of the ups and downs you have encountered before becoming published?
REBECCA: Well, I was published for the first time so long ago and it happened so quickly, I didn't really have any ups and downs. I was an English major and had been writing a lot of short fiction. I got this bee in my bonnet that I wanted to get published. I started sending short stories to literary journals and had an offer within a month. After that, the publication credits just started to build. So much that I'm not sure I even have an accurate CV about where my stories were published, all told. Then, I started to get published in academic circles with non-fiction and did some freelance article writing. All the while, I was working full-time jobs and trying to write a new novel at the same time.
I haven't been published in book-length fiction yet. My ups and downs in that journey have been more dramatic and visible. The ups have been getting full manuscripts requested from publishers and getting feedback from industry professionals. Finaling in the Genesis (which is the Christian equivalent of the Golden Heart) was a huge deal. But I also had some major downs. I got some contest feedback on two different occasions that had me in tears. I've only ever gotten one query rejection; and that was on the Scottish novel. But I'm sure there are more coming.
KRIS: Constant rejection – coupled with praise of my writing – because I don’t fit the kilt/duke historical boxes. I'll be using one rejection as a cover quote. Seriously.
The announcement by Dorchester that it will concentrate only on e-publishing in the future is one sign of the
e-book “revolution.” In addition, an article in The Wall Street Journal by James B. Steward (Wed., Aug. 18) stated that Barnes & Noble had offered itself for sale because its marketing policy has not adjusted to changing technology as has Amazon, for example. A different analysis appears on http://tinyurl.com/3462e72. Have your stories been published in e-book form?
REBECCA: None of my published stories are available in e-book format. I contributed to one book that's available in e-book; but it's nonfiction, so that's really a different conversation altogether. However, I review for several different book blogs, and have a lot of opinions about e-books. I'm also currently waiting to hear back on two full manuscripts that I have with e-publishers; and I hope to be epubbed very soon. I also own a dedicated e-reader and use it as exclusively as possible.
KRIS: Yes. I uploaded them myself, for free, on Kindle and Smashwords. It has very lucrative potential. B&N’s Nook keeps emailing me; but in light of the sale, they don’t seem to have gotten their PubIt option up and running yet.
Comments were made after the RWA 2010 conference that e-authors and readers don’t make connections through book signings. As an author, how do you feel about that? As a reader?
REBECCA: As an e-book reader, I missed out on getting to meet some of my favorite authors, whom I know from their Twitter feeds or Facebook statuses were at Nationals. Thankfully, some of them are in my chapters, so I at least got to meet them. But I still would have loved to have gone to a dedicated e-book signing. I hope that Carina will lead this, since Angela James seems to be dedicated to making the world see e-publishing as something other than the red-headed stepchild of the publishing industry. I love that about her.
KRIS: RWA has their collective head in the sand. E-authors should either have POD copies available to sign, OR they can sign postcards of covers. I don’t see this as a problem IF the signing is adequately managed.
Suggestions were made that e-authors could sign postcards with a photo of the cover on one side and a discount coupon on the other or that the e-books could be produced as CDs and authors could sign those covers. Do you have suggestions
to bridge the gap between e-author and e-reader?
REBECCA: I love those ideas. I don't really want my e-book on CD. But they can give me a download code printed on a great bookmark or postcard or something. I have a couple of signed bookmarks from authors who had books coming out in the fall but hadn't been released yet. I would just as much liked to have seen some digital authors signing things. I keep offering my Kindle cover and getting turned down; but I'm really okay with that, I guess.
KRIS: Those were MY suggestions. As an avid e-READER (I love my Kindle!) I understand that this the way of the future. I’m good with that. We just need to think differently and find what works. Bookmarks obviously won’t.
It has been suggested also that e-published authors might ask their publishers to increase their participation in future RWA conferences. How do you feel about that suggestion?
REBECCA: I think it's great to try whatever ways we can to get e-publishers more participation in the conferences. Being invited to the table is different than being given an equal voice. And while the epubs might have been invited to the table, it still feels like the conference is geared toward print publishing. I realize that it's a big change from the past; but I think it's a cop-out to say "well, look at where we were last year, that's too much change all at once." Sure, it's progres. There's a lot that still needs to be done.
KRIS: GREAT! But RWA needs to wake up and smell the e-ink. They are still focusing ALL of their energies on publishing avenues that are disappearing.
What is the downside if e-publishers do not participate in RWA conferences?
REBECCA: They do participate, just not as fully as I think they could. I would like to see them have equal access. Why not have an e-RITA? Or an Erotic RITA? Or a RITA for novellas? I saw some questions come across the loop last year about e-pubbed novels entered in the RITA. Since the entries all have to be submitted in print form, this puts e-pubbed authors at a disadvantage.
KRIS: The downside will be for RWA. Authors will switch to RT, RomCon, or other venues/organizations that recognize alternative publishing options.
If, as has been suggested, brick&mortar bookstores will decrease to a negligible number by the end of 2012, what other promotional opportunities would you suggest for writers?
REBECCA: I don't know that b&m bookstores will decrease quite that quickly; but I think that the cheaper and easier to access e-readers become, the more people will want to go that route. Writers need to have access to online promotional opportunities whether they get print published or not. It's just smart business.
KRIS: Don’t wait until 2012! Authors should already be grabbing opportunities! My new blog series on being an Authorprenuer is tackling EXACTLY that issue: http://KRISTualla.wordpress.com The suggestions are myriad.
Some of our members have expressed concern over an emerging gap between readers who can afford e-readers and books and those who cannot afford the technology. However, Barnes & Noble announced that textbooks could be “borrowed” or “rented” once a student obtained the electronic-reader. I think a returnable deposit on the reading mechanism, like a car rental, might help solve this problem. Do you have suggestions?
REBECCA: Not really.
KRIS: E-readers now cost less than many cell phones - and books can be read on many cell-phones. Renting the device isn’t cost-effective. If someone wants to read, they will find a way. If they don’t, they won’t.
Have you considered self-publishing? If so, why?
REBECCA: I have and I'll be brutally honest. The returns on publishing royalties are astounding. I have a friend who publishes through Kindle and one who gets print-pubbed in mass-market. My self-pubbed friend actually makes more money per copy sold (on a 99c book) than my mass-market friend (on $6.99 book). If you do marketing well, you can make pretty decent money self-publishing. Of course, you do have to market very well. And you also have to have a quality product. I have seen several quality products come out of self-publishing. I'm still not sure if I could do it myself, mostly because I'm not great at marketing and self-promotion. But I do feel like I've written a book that people will want to read. So if Harlequin turns it down, who knows what I'll consider.
KRIS: Yes – I am INDEPENDENTLY publishing a trilogy this fall with my agent’s permission. Meanwhile, two REQUESTED manuscripts are languishing at four traditional publishers and have been there for several months. Isn’t the “why” obvious?
What challenges do you face in your writing endeavors?
REBECCA: Definitely focusing. I have so many ideas and so many opportunities and directions. I need to focus down and work on one or two projects at a time, and be committed to them.
KRIS: Writing outside of the box – and doing so on purpose – has thrown up a few roadblocks.
What's next for you?
REBECCA: I'm waiting on Harlequin, which has my full manuscript currently. Once I find out a "yes" or "no" from them, I'll decide on that. For now, I'm moving on to work on two novellas that I've been putting off so I could finish that last manuscript. Now that I'm done, I'm looking forward to doing some shorter writing for awhile.
I'm also planning to teach a couple of writing workshops this fall. I have a Master's degree in Leadership; and I have a class I want to teach that's all about the mechanics of self-leadership for writers. Knowing yourself, knowing your limits, tailoring your career for your unique self. Things like that. I've found that self-leadership is by far the most important key to finishing well, in every endeavor. Writing included.
KRIS: If I don’t hear back from the publishers after a year, I’ll withdraw the manuscripts, release my agent, and continue on my own path. Successfully.
Where can readers find you?
REBECCA: http://romancingthepalate.blogspot.com
http://newkidonthewritersblock.blogspot.com
Twitter: @beck_a_tron
Facebook: @rlsyme
KRIS: http://www.KRISTualla.com
http://www.GoodnightPublishing.com
Your parting shot --
REBECCA: Don't discount the power of e-publishing. I know people who have started off in e-pubs and moved to big New York print contracts. But there are also people who are making good money doing digital publishing only. And they're very happy in their careers. Give digital a chance, if you haven't already. Do a little research, find a good place for your book, and get it out there! Don't let the lack of a New York print contract keep you from doing what you love.
KRIS: IF your book has passed through several edits by readers OTHER THAN yourself, and you have been told it is read-worthy by multiple people who will be TRULY HONEST with you, then do not take “no” for an answer.
Thank you for your answers and time.