Author Interview with Karyn Gerrard

V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

K- It was a quick journey, maybe too quick! Timeless Heart was the first novella I ever submitted to e-book publishers and Evernight offered me a contract almost immediately. A lot of luck there, as luck plays a big part in getting published.

Considering I am a voracious reader, I only started reading romance in a big way about 4 years ago, My first effort and only other submission, a historical romance, was rejected by a print publisher 3 years ago, but I kept writing! Glad I did.

I am inspired everyday by every romance writer I come in contact with, what a generous, support group. Romance readers are the best as well, inspires me to keep writing.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Buy Link

K- My current release is my only release at the moment, TIMELESS HEART ♥. I am working on a couple of erotica/paranormal novellas which I just finished yesterday! Now comes the editing. Crossing fingers I am not just a one-pubbed wonder.

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

K- What I said above, keep writing. And submit your work, you never know when a story may just be that story an editor is looking for at that particular moment. Hence the luck I mentioned. Writing can be very solitary, I encourage finding like minded people and connect, whether on Facebook, Twitter, writing forums, blogs or where ever you feel comfortable at. I met some wonderful people who stepped up to the plate to help promote my debut effort, and in other ways to numerous to mention. Get your name out there before you even submit, believe me, it will pay off.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

K- Since I am basically a lazy cow, I can't see me ever self-pubbing. Too much work. That may change down the road, but for now? No. I have tons of admiration for anyone going this route, it is a lot of work, and it is really the only reason I am not interested. Yep, lazy.

The view on self-pubbing has changed, it used to be called vanity publishing when you spent big dollars of your own to have a book printed, but thanks to digital, that has all changed. It is certainly made the field more competitive, and that is a good thing. If it gets people reading AND buying more books, either print or digital, it is all to the good.

V- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

K- I am reading a few ARCS for reviews. I love historical romance. I'm reading Jennifer Haymore's Confessions of an Improper Bride. So far, loving it! Also love paranormals, have Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire Mine next in the TBR pile.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

K- My satellite dish, so I can see every Red Sox game! Also my Ipod touch, you would have to pry that out of my cold dead hand!

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

K- Wow, I could give the standard 'world peace' answer, but I will be more selfish. Good health and long life for me, and all my loved ones.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

K- Still writing, still watching the Red Sox, and hopefully still content with my life.

Thanks everyone who has been so supportive for my debut effort! It is really, really appreciated
V- Sounds great! And thank you, Karyn, for allowing me to interview and learn more about your writing career.

Karyn can be found online at the following links:

Website
Review Site

More on the Ms. Mays Mess

As we all know(or most of us), there has been a FB support group set up to support Ms. Mays. I'm all for that, and have in my own way supported her by buying her books.

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that this group has now set up a online store selling items with Ms. Mays name on them which they are peddling.

They have been asked where this money is going, if a share of it is being given to Ms. Mays. Multiple times they have not addressed any of the questions asked by multiple supporters on the site. This strikes me as being very odd. I don't like the idea of someone making money from anothers distress.

What are your thoughts?

The debate to self-publish



Most recently, Amanda Hocking posted a wonderful blog post on her rise to success through self-publishing. She mentioned that at this time she is doing more marketing for her books than she is actual writing, though her site shows that she does have books coming out this year and in 2012.

I have to admit, self-publishing has crossed my mind. It's not because I think I am going to be the next Hocking, nor do I expect the money to suddenly come flowing in.

Outside of romance and erotica, I write some stuff that I don't think would fit with a print or e press. That is, it doesn't quite fit into their guidelines on what they are actively seeking. So, where does that leave me with these works? I ask myself that question almost daily.

The one thing that does hold me back is the stigma that I find still attached to self-publishing. Some tend to make a person considering it, feel like that their stuff isn't worthy of a more traditional means of publication. Of course, in some cases that's true without a doubt. I have read some pretty shitty self-published stuff. Then again, I have also read some bad books that have been published by some big publishing houses. In the end that's all subjective, as my best book ever could be your most hated book.

Back on topic. Have you considered self-publishing? What are your thoughts when something doesn't fit the mold set forth by most publishers?

Self publishing is a heck of a lot of work for anyone who would like to do it right. Some things to consider are:

-Cover art. A good cover is a must in my opinion.
-Editing. Can you sufficently edit your own work? Can you afford to have someone else do it? Do you know someone who can help, free of charge? These questions are just a few things to consider.
-Formatting. This one scares the hell out of me. I am a tech-turd and clueless to such things. Bad formatting can cause a reader to not want to come back to you ever again. This applies to both electronic and print formats.
-Promotion. It's a lot of work to get your name out there, especially if you are an unknown. Do you have the time and energy? Do you have what it takes?

So, this is the stuff that runs through my head. I'd be interesting in hearing your thoughts on the subject.