Today's interview is with full-time freelance writer and author of several books, Susie Kearley.
1.
When
did you first start writing?
I started writing a novel when I was 16. I wanted to be the
next James Herbert. It ran out of steam though - I just lost my way. I dusted
it off a few years ago, and it's been revised and will be making a comeback
soon. I still hope to find a publisher!
2.
What
are your books about? Are you self / traditionally published or hybrid?
My first book, 'Freelance Writing on Health, Food and
Gardens', was traditionally published through Compass Books. My other books are
self-published, primarily because they're very niche titles and I wasn't sure a
publisher would want titles with such limited commercial potential.
My second writing book is 'Freelance Writing: Aim Higher,
Earn More', for people who've had a little success with their writing, but want
to take it to the next level. I've been really pleased with the positive
feedback and reviews on that one. Recently one reader told me she'd received
writing assignments from magazines after being inspired by my book.
'Memories of the Second World War' is a collection of memoirs
from people who were there, including a war nurse, a cartographer, three wrens,
a farmer, people who were children, one who was evacuated to the country, and
one had a first hand experience with a military hero, who saved her town.
3.
What
led to your love for literature? Any favorite books / teachers / writing
mentors?
At the age of about 14 I discovered James Herbert's horror
novels and really admired his work. It inspired me. 'Moon' was the first of his
books that I read. My school teacher confiscated it because I couldn't put it
down!
4.
What's
your writing process like? Do you outline? Do you write by hand / type /
dictate?
I type it straight onto a computer and work every day. I'm a
full-time writer. I mostly do articles, but I do outline books, writing chapter
descriptions in advance, so that I know where I'm going.
5.
What's
your editing process?
I just go over and over my work, improving it, tightening it,
deleting anything that's unnecessary, and rephrasing it, until I'm completely
happy with it.
6.
Any
favorite apps / software / technology for writing?
I just use Microsoft Word.
7.
What
did you find most / least useful in learning to write?
Grammar books are helpful for checking queries, but I was
always good at English.
8.
Who
or what inspires you? Where / how do you get your book ideas?
My books tend to be related to articles I've written for
magazines. The war book is a collection of articles I originally wrote for a
military history magazine. Pagan Journeys is a collection of the articles I
wrote for magazines on spiritual topics, healing, and pagan travel
destinations.
9.
When
in the day do you usually write? For how long?
About 8am to 6pm daily.
10.
Describe
your desk / writing corner / favorite writing spot.
It's just a desk in my study. There's a window to the right,
a desk lamp and swivel chair.
11. Do you listen to
music while you write? What kind of music?
No. I try to avoid
distractions. I need to focus on the prose.
12.
Do
you now, or did you ever have any day jobs? Did they add to or detract from
your writing?
I spent 15 years in marketing. It may have helped hone my
writing skills, but writing full time definitely honed my skills more quickly
and more sharply. I didn't enjoy writing business material.
13.
How much marketing do you do? Which
platforms are you most active on?
I hate
marketing my books in person, because they're not for everyone and I don't
like being pushy. My books are so niche, they'll have quite narrow appeal, so
it seems silly to shout about them from the rooftops. However, I have
undertaken the following book marketing activities:
-
written blogs;
-
participated in guest
blogs/interviews;
-
talked about the books in magazine
articles;
-
done social media promotions;
-
Offered Kindle Countdown deals on
self-published titles;
-
Talked at my writers' group;
-
I did a giveaway on one book a couple
of times, but it was a complete waste of time in terms of generating future
sales.
Bio:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page
Pagan Journeys
This is a collection of articles on pagan living and
related topics. They have all been previously published in magazines in the UK
and the USA. They include interviews with Druids, as well as first-hand
accounts of pagan festivals and sacred locations. There are chapters on Druid
gardening, healing, crystals, meditation, and my own experience of a Druid
solstice ceremony. Articles about stone circles, prehistoric burial grounds,
and special places are included, and part three focuses on natural healing. It
looks at the evidence for natural approaches to healthcare including healthy
eating, meditation, and relaxation, as well as how a raw vegan lifestyle could
have extra clout when it comes to healing.
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