Questions at the signing

For anyone looking to do an author signing, my biggest suggestion is to prepare for questions and have them already thought out. Here are some from my event last Saturday at the Cascades Library in Sterling. (answers have been slightly expanded and I have removed some nervous "ums")

The most asked  - "What is your book about?"
The Lady of Steinbrekka is about a young woman who suddenly finds herself in a different realm that is filled with mysterious strangers who all have dark secrets. While there, she must find the strength to challenge the status quo and fight to change her destiny in order to survive.

"When did you become a writer?"
I began writing at an early age. My first book was typed out in 5th grade and was about a magical garden, so, you could say, fantasy was always my genre. As a teen, I wrote in order to express myself and it became a form of therapy for me. I began seriously writing with the main goal to publish in 2011.

"Why do you write fantasy?"
Fantasy books are my way to express every day problems in a different setting. It is easier to take something that is a common problem and put it into a fantastical world and not have it directly affect the reader, or cause them pain. I think it is also a way for readers to connect with characters that are so different from "normal" when they have the same daily issues.I also just really enjoy making up different worlds and being able to suspend disbelief within a person's mind.

"What is the hardest part about writing?"
Editing. It is so hard to go through the story and not get wrapped up in the plot, which you have to do in order to make the grammatical edits. I'm also just really bad at grammar, so there is that component too. Luckily, I have an awesome editor who will find anything I miss.

"Why do you self-publish? Is it because you kept getting rejection letters?"
I've actually never submitted any of my writings for publication before. I self-publish because it allows me to have control over the finished product. While I do have editors and readers who suggest changes, the ultimate decision is mine. I also have control over the cover as well, which is a big deal to me. I like that, with self-publishing, the book is all mine, for better or worse.

"What is your suggestion to a wanna-be writer?"
Keep doing it, no matter what. I stopped writing for almost a decade because people told me that it was stupid, a waste of time, fantasy would get me nowhere, etc. If you enjoy writing, then do it."

"What is your best suggestion for how to pick a book to write?"
My favorite writer's quote is "Write the book you want to read" and that's what I take to heart. A lot of time characters will pop into my head, or scenarios, or just general emotions that, I feel, need to be expressed a shared. Don't force it, just let it happen naturally.

Super secret that is going to be awesome

I am holding a secret and practically bursting at the seams over it!

I was given the awesome honor of reading M.R. Polish's newest creation, Ageless Sea, before publication and let me tell you, it is amazing.

And I'm not just saying that because I'm saying it, I'm saying it because it's true. I am very picky with my fantasy and quickly get turned off my plot lines or characters that have been done before. Ageless Sea is a true original, with complex characters and a breath-takingly new plotline. It is the kind of book that you are going to want to read over and over again so you can catch all of the little nuances.

Besides, you are going to want this cover on your bookshelf/Nookshelf/Kindle shelf. How gorgeous is this?

If you haven't guessed yet, the secret has to do with Ageless Sea. The surprise will be revealed May 1st (hmm which is also my wedding anniversary, good timing Ms. Polish ;)  ) so make sure to check back then!

Ageless Sea can be purchased through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and the author does have an  authorgraph available.

For more information on Ageless Sea, see M.R. Polish's blog, http://www.mrpolishauthor.com/

Why I love Indie - Guest Christie Rich!

Today is our first guest author, Christie Rich, talking about why she goes the Indie route for her fantastic books. With her stunning covers and creative story-lines, she is a great inspiration for anyone who loves to write.

Just who is Christie Rich? Here is a glimpse into the person behind the Elemental Enmity series.


I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. I also dabble in painting but writing has taken over my creative time right now. I hope to get back to it at some point in my life, but I'm not sure when I'll have time for it. My family and I live in a quiet community in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.

Where you can find Christie:

Website l Blog l Goodreads l Pinterest l Twitter l Facebook

Now, here we go!

1) When did you first begin to write as an Indie-author/self-published author? 

I published my first novel, Five (Elemental Enmity Book I) in August 2011. I just released the final book in the series in January.


2) Why did you decide to go the Indie-author/self-publishing route?

I'd shopped around for agents for a while with my manuscript with a bit of interest and more rejections. For me, my decision came when I found Dean Wesley Smith's blog and started reading "Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing". Mr. Smith opened my eyes to the world of Indie publishing. I had no idea that I could do this all myself, and maybe a few years ago, it would have been harder, but things are opening up for writers. We have more choices than ever before, and I love the control of the product. I love being able to change something from the blurb to the cover if something is not working.


3) What are some advantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-published author? 

As above, control. When I hire an editor, I get to decide if I agree with suggestions for change. When I hire a cover artist, I get to decide when the cover is complete. I've worked with some amazingly talented people who love their work and do a great job. They are just as interested in making the product great as I am. My cover artist, Amber McNemar, of eThink Graphic Solutions has gone above and beyond to make my covers great. She takes pride in her work and it shows. I give her a guideline of what I want and she always blows me away with the finished product.


4) What are some of the disadvantages to being an Indie-Author/Self-Published author?

Control. Everything is my responsibility. If I don't keep things straight, it's my fault. That's the only down side I can think of. There are just so many great things about being an indie writer.


5) What is your best advice to someone who wants to break into the Indie world? 

Do your research. Don't take anyone's advice without checking into things. Make sure you know the difference between a copy editor and a developmental editor and a proofreader before you hire anyone. Realize this is a long process, whether you decide to go indie or traditional. Even if you signed a contract with a trad publisher tomorrow, it would most likely be a year or more before you would ever see your book in print. Realize you can beat this time frame on your own, and produce a product that rivals any trad publisher. Realize you are starting a business and learn all you can about it. It's okay to hire people to help you, but make sure you know what the going rate is and what to expect when you hire someone. At that point they are your employee for services. You are in charge.

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Thank you for for participating in the Why I Love Indie blog series, Christie! (Now...off to buy some of these books....)