Interview with Author April Kempler: A Memoir about an In-law

Author April Kempler was born in Southern California and has now adopted Reno as her city. She has written a book called The Altered I: Memoir of Joseph Kempler Holocaust Survivor. Joseph Kemper is April's father-in-law. Kempler also writes articles and personal stories on various subjects: health, fitness, pets, food, recipes, etc.

Follow her blog HERE.
 

TradeMark Remark: If April Kempler was on a camping trip, what would her role be?

     RESEARCHER OF HISTORY OF THE AREA AND THINGS TO DO IN TOWN

 

What inspired you to write The Altered I?

I've always had a deep interest in the Holocaust, but never thought I would write a book about it until met my future father-in-law, Joseph Kempler. I was significantly touched by his story. I had heard him speak publicly about his ordeal, but never delved into the particulars with him. Then in the early 2000s he was asked to be part of a PBS sponsored documentary entitled Knocking. That was my true inspiration for wanting to write the book. After seeing Joe's experiences in the context of the documentary my curiosity about him was piqued more than ever. I also saw that people were drawn to him and wanted to know more about him too. I had hoped he would write his memoirs, but it was clear he needed someone to jump-start him and that ultimately became me. It was a great honor to be the one to write his story for him.

 

How is it different from other books about the Holocaust?

Joseph Kempler's story is unique in that he was raised Jewish, but as a result of what he saw and suffered in the camps he became an atheist. However, because of a group of Christian's also imprisoned in the camps, he later converted to a Christian faith. This is very unusual behavior, it is also something viewed as betrayal among the Jewish community. Once the reader experiences Joseph's life in his own words I believe they will understand why he made certain decisions. He is very open and honest about the good and bad of his actions. I find that refreshing and different when compared with the other first-person narratives out there.

 

What is something surprising that readers will find out about the book?

Isn't that a plot spoiler? Just kidding, seriously though, I think readers will be surprised to learn that Joseph Kempler isn't the "hero" of his own story. Many people don't know that there were a group of Christians also imprisoned in the camps. The book shines light on this aspect of the Holocaust history as well as Joseph's own tale of endurance under persecution.

 

How is writing a nonfiction book different than a fiction book? How has if at all changed your relationship with your father-in-law?

Namely the research involved. The story had to be impeccable, factually speaking. The Holocaust is a sensitive subject, open to criticism and naysayers. I did not want to leave any room for negative reactions as far as the facts go. Of course, everyone has an opinion and I may get a bad reaction anyway, but the facts need to speak for themselves. I believe with some fiction there is wiggle room with the facts. An author can change the locations, or even the time-period. Although some historical purists react in a negative way to that too! I think fiction is easier to write than nonfiction just purely from a research point of view.

I feel a lot closer to my father-in-law as a result of writing his memoir. He jokes that I know his story better than he does, and it's true in some ways.

Do you have a favorite book written about the Holocaust?

There are so many great books written on the Holocaust and I like most of them, but if you want to read only one book, then read Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. My top three choices would be that, followed by Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi and Night by Elie Wiesel. Those are the best.

 

What has the writing and publishing process been like?

This has been an up and down process. If I could sum it up in one word it would be, patience. A new writer needs to learn the art of patience. Once a writer sends off his work it will take an enormous amount of time before that work is in a publishable state. I learned that everything took double the time, and sometimes even longer, than what I thought it would take, or what I was told it would take. So, in the meantime an author needs to build their platform by blogging, by networking, by face-to-face interaction if need be. This is a great time to start research on another project, or develop your marketing skills. The marketing and editing alone have taken longer than writing the original manuscript. In my opinion, the writing aspect is fun, the waiting period is not fun, and the marketing and platform building can be strenuous on a writer's precious time and nervous system. But I will tell you that it is worth it.

 

When can we expect it to be available to buy? Hard copy? E-book?

Soon! It will be available in an oversize paperback edition very soon. I had an early date of May, but I believe that is pushed back slightly. I'm in final edits with my publisher and they tell me "soon!" The e-book will be out some time after the paperback edition. I'm as excited as everyone else to see the finished copy!

 

You state on your blog that you moved from California to Reno. How is your "adoption" of Reno going? What is something unique you have found out about the city?

I love my "adopted" city. It is so pretty here. I feel blessed to live in a part of the world that has become a vacation destination for many people. Not only because of the casinos and gambling, I don't do that, but for the variety of outdoor activities that are available. We've got of course skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding in the winter, but those who love the outdoors can camp, hike, backpack, or river and lake (if visiting Lake Tahoe) kayak, and sail during the summer months. One special event I'm looking forward to this summer is Artown. This is the time when artists, musicians, and poets, share their talent and culture throughout the city. It is usually free and open to the public. Our falls are so gorgeous. The leaves turn astounding colors. Right now the spring is terrific. The trees are just loaded with blooms. People are always surprised to learn that we have a full four seasons here: autumn leaves, snow, warm rain, hot summers (not too often above 100 degrees, so it is more comfortable than Vegas!). We also get fantastic thunder-storms during August, I love it!

Reno is really a family town, it has a small town feel with big city action.

I've also been surprised by the history of Reno, Nevada. In fact I joined the Historic Reno Preservation Society to learn more about my adopted city.

Reno, has so much to offer. I recommend people visit us here!

If you could plan your perfect day, what would you be doing?

A perfect day would be waking up with my coffee + cream, getting a pedicure, then afterward hiding beneath the shade and seclusion of a willow tree reading Anna Karenina until dusk.

 

Do you have another job besides writing?

Yes I do. My husband and I have an interior decorating business, Kempler Design. We specialize in window treatments, soft and hard, such as draperies, blinds, shutters, shades. We also coordinate bedding with the draperies. We started this business in 1993, the year we got married. We seem to really work well together, each of us knows what our part in the business is, in that we excel. For example, I handle the phone calls, appointments and bookkeeping, while Paul, my husband, does the design work and installation of the the window treatments. My job actually frees up my time to write, so I would say it is a perfect arrangement!

 

What is some inspirational advice that you can give other Rookie writers?

Something that would have helped me when I first started down the path of getting a book published was to know how to hire an editor. I had no idea how to go about this and the editors I encountered wanted an exorbitant amount of money, which was something I just could not afford. But I was torn because I knew that an editor was crucial to the finished product of my book.

True story: coincidentally, while in a Barnes & Noble book store, I was watching people in the coffee house part of the store and they were all typing away on their laptops, or going over what looked like manuscripts to me. So I thought they must all be authors and perhaps they could help me find an editor. This was a little naive on my part, but clearly I had no idea how to go about this. The first man I spoke with said that he wasn't an author but he was a teacher at the college and he was just correcting papers! But, he knew someone who was an editor for the college newspaper. He gave me her card, I contacted her and voila! The rest is history. She actually was familiar with the genre of my book, and she knew Joseph Kempler, the subject of the story, personally. She had seen him speak to the students and staff at the college. She was interested in the genre and interested in the subject matter. These were two important aspects to consider when I chose an editor. She was thrilled by the opportunity to work on the edits (I told you this is a small town!) We agreed on a price and time frame and got to work.

So, the moral of the story is ask for help, ask for direction. I find it a wonderful surprise that people in this industry are so helpful to each other. We have a support system unlike any other. Get on LinkedIn and find the professionals you are looking for. Surround yourself with these people. Join the various writing groups available, jump into the conversations, or sit back and learn. I think it is a great place to start.

What is next on your writing agenda? New books? Ideas?

I am really concentrating on the marketing aspect for The Altered I. Nowadays marketing a book isn't left up to the publisher. The writer has a lot to do with it as well. And this makes sense, who else but the writer would know more about the book and the audience they want to reach? I just read this great quote by Bob Mayer, "Content is King. Promotion is Queen." So good content and good marketing really complement one another. Beyond that I just take one day at a time. I definitely have plans for writing another book. I have several ideas for themes I'd like to pursue, but I'm keeping it close to my heart right now.

 

What part of your writing style or skill are you trying to strengthen?

Right now I'm trying to discipline myself to write every day. Having a blog with followers encourages me to write something interesting every week, but I'd also like to tap into my ability to write something of length. I'd like to focus on the next book and developing an interesting plot with real, human characters that people can relate to.

 

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase my work on your blog site. I'm really grateful to be a part of this revolution in book publishing. Now, more than ever, is a great time to be a new writer. There are many ways to get yourself known and many ways to share the experience of writing and publishing. I believe we, as writers, are part of a great, positive community, willing to take chances on each other and open our minds to new possibilities.

 

The Altered I Book Blurb:

Joseph Kempler is eleven years old in 1939, when World War II begins. German soldiers have invaded his hometown of Krakow, Poland. Forced with his family to leave their home, business and belongings, Joseph embarks upon an adventure that will change his life forever. Joseph survives six concentration camps, some of them death camps, from the ages of fourteen to seventeen. Along the way he abandons family and faith. He curses God for allowing the Holocaust to happen and becomes an atheist. When he arrives at the concentration camp Melk, he encounters, from a distance, an unusual brand of Christian. He is told they are called Bibelforscher, Bible Students. He is astounded to see these Aryan's imprisoned in the same concentration camp as Jews and is shocked to learn that they can leave the camp anytime, all they have to do is renounce their faith, but they won't do it. This leaves an indelible impression on young Joseph's mind. Many years later, after emigrating to America, Joseph miraculously encounters this group again when they knock on his door. Always curious about their faith he questions them, and ultimately he converts to Christianity. The Altered I chronicles Joseph's life and the circumstances leading to his life altering decision, while shining new light on an untold story of the Holocaust.

Media Links:

Blog: http://renogalsays.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/aprilkempler/

Yahoo!Contributor: http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/1203731/april_voytko_kempler.html

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/April-Voytko-Kempler/108581919171322?ref=hl

Contact: authoraprilvoytkokempler@gmail.com

Pre-order Link: http://www.leruepress.com/

Author Bio Link: http://www.leruepress.com/TheAlteredI-Author.htm

Thoughts on the Popularity of Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

My book choice followed a similar path as my music choice. I would get caught in a fad of a certain genre, and then somehow get swept into another genre. The catalyst for change was either a concert I stumbled upon, the luck of hearing the artist on a radio station, but mostly came from suggestions from friends.

I am not sure if it is new, but there seems to be such a draw to post-apocalyptic fiction. This type of work is fairly new to me. The closest I came to this fad was year's ago when I read the Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Recently, I have read the The Postman, Hunger Games, and The Maze Runner series. I wrote a short story myself entitled Tunnel W that takes place in a post-apocalyptic society.

Author Lexi Revellian had an insightful view on the Appeal of post-apocalyptic fiction here.
Her theories ranged from escaping everyday monotony, having more control over your own life, everyone has a looter inside them, immediate justice, etc.

I agree with a lot of her theories about the draw to post-apocalyptic fiction.
Here are some additional theories of mine:

• Being able to explore or have access to places where you never have been able.
• Breaking petty barriers. Class, race, sex, gender, etc.
• Getting back to nature. Getting to a life of simplicity.
• Making life more exciting. Go from a life of finishing a big paper was the highlight of you day to building a boat or a shelter was the highlight.
• A sense of starting over and being part of that start. That rings of some hope.
• Chance to be a Bad-Ass.

It is interesting how we in our Western Society have things so easy, and somewhat safer than hundreds of years before, but we want to go back to basics.

“Wait a minute.What if I wrote the book I’m waiting for?”- Interview with Author Lauren Jankowski

Lauren Jankowski is a writer from Illinois. She holds a BA in Women and Genders Studies from Beloit College. She got her start writing short articles for the website "The Next Family" and reviewing genre books for the website "Planet Fury". An avid reader, she started writing fiction in high school when she couldn't find many strong heroines in the genre books she loved. "Sere from the Green" is the first book in a series that she has devoted much of her time crafting.
                                                                                                                  -Biography on Amazon

TradeMark Remark: What would Lauren's job be if she was camping?
                         Taking Care of the Dog(s)

Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
My name is Lauren. I’m an adoptee, an unashamed feminist, and a vegan (don’t worry, I’m not preachy about it). I’m also a huge genre fan. Give me a well-written fantasy book any day of the week. Somethings people may not know about me:

*I’m also a massive horror fan. I have great respect for women that work in serious horror because they probably have it somewhat rougher than women fantasy writers.
*I used to compete in dog agility, which was an awesome experience and helped me learn about animal characterization (which comes in handy when most of your characters have the ability to shift into animals)
*I'm a proud aromantic asexual identifying woman and try to participate in asexual visibility causes whenever I possibly can.

What made you want to become a writer?
I’ve always been a reader. Even when I was younger, I was always more interested in losing myself in a book than in doing what the other kids were doing. As I got older, I began to notice how generic many characters were in the books that I loved. Believe it or not, I found more complex characters in ancient myths, which I found I preferred over popular fiction. There were few if any accurate depictions of adoptees in popular genre fiction, for example. The women characters in the genre novels I read were mostly laughably bad. For a while, I waited for a book that I would fall in love with, featuring strong complex women. Then, around my junior year of high school, I thought, “Wait a minute. What if I wrote the book I’m waiting for?” I found that I had a knack for writing fiction and haven’t looked back since.

Why is Sere from the Green a must-read?
Sere from the Green is my first novel and it features strong women that aren’t defined by men. They go out on adventures and dangerous missions. A lot of the characters in Sere aren’t typically found in genre. The main character is an adoptee, for example. I combined my love of myths and strong heroines in what I hope readers will find to be an enjoyable tale.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
Oh wow. That’s an interesting question. There are so many characters that I would enjoy meeting in real life (including a few in later books. I’m thinking in particular of Alpha, who is introduced in the 2^nd novel). If I were to meet one of the guardians, I think I would like to meet Adonia. She’s ancient and has seen so many historical events. I think we could just spend the day in her office, talking about that. For shape shifters, Sly would be an interesting individual. She has the kind of bad ass, doesn’t take crap from anyone kind of attitude that I wish I had at times. I’d love to do lunch with her and just ask her how she goes through the day.

It is a series. How many books do you think will be in the series, and when is the next one coming out?
I’m anticipating at least five books in the series. There might be a sixth, but it’s a bit too early to tell at the moment (I’ve only written four so far and I have a rough outline of the fifth). The next one should be out in the next couple months, depending on how soon I can find an affordable editor. I’m also currently in the middle of polishing the third book, which I want to release within a couple months of the second book (the second one ends with a cliffhanger).

On your blog introduction you write "This is the journal of a writer trying to do the impossible: break into the publishing industry. Fellow writers know what I'm talking about." What has this process been like for you? Highlights? Lows?
The publishing world is probably one of the most depressing chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out systems. When I was trying to find a traditional publisher, the amount of blatant sexism I encountered was positively mind-boggling. I had a literary agent, who happened to be a woman, flat-out tell me that nobody would buy serious fantasy written by a woman. This sentiment is shared by most men working in publishing (apparently the only kind of genre women can write has to also fall into the romance genre). That was a pretty low point in my career.

Another low point was finding that indie publishing can be extremely cut-hroat. The amount of competition among indie authors, particularly women genre authors, can get really nasty and it’s rather disheartening. I understand how competitive writing is, but do we really need to make it harder for other women just starting out?
By far the highlight of the process was meeting some of my genre heroines. I write book reviews for a genre feminist website called “Planet Fury” and my editor is Heidi Honeycutt, and she’s incredible. I also recently met the Soska sisters who are also genre feminists (they work in indie horror cinema. I can’t wait to see their new movie American Mary). Having these women that I respect and admire ask for signed copies of my book was the most thrilling moment of my life. I find I feel more comfortable among genre feminist filmmakers than I am with other novelists. There just seems to be a lot more support and encouragement.

What sites or resources have you found to be supports in writing or marketing?
I haven’t found many (I’m still getting my feet wet in regards to marketing). “Broad Universe” is a good place to start. I have a feeling I’ve sold a lot of books through them. World Literary Café is good for exposure, but I’m not sure how many people buy books. St. Somewhere Marketing is a good place for indie authors to get an agent (they’re a bit pricey, but the work they do is worth the cost)

What do you think about the Ebook Revolution?
Oh, this is tricky. I’m so torn about this issue. On the one hand, anything that gets more people reading I’m for. On the other, I’m very old-fashioned about physical books. To me, there’s something about holding a book in your hands, something about the weight and the smell and the texture, that’s irreplaceable. A book has character. I like to take notes in the margin, highlight passages of text on occasion. I’m sure you can do something similar on eReaders, but I’ll always be an old-fashioned, stuck-in-her-ways book girl.

On your blog you wrote a post titled "Questions that no man working in a Genre will ever be asked" Here. Any thought on how all writers can combat this?
For one thing, they can quit pigeonholing themselves. That sounds really harsh, but I hate hearing people suggest that selling out to get a toe in the door is the way to go. It really isn’t. It just makes things worse for the people coming after them.

I think it was Hillary Clinton who, when asked about her clothes, asked the interviewer, “Would you ask a man that question?”People need to not be afraid of being bold. Don’t be an inconsiderate ass, but don’t feel you have to answer every single question just because it’s posed to you. If a question seems condescending, don’t feel obligated to answer it (take a page from Clinton’s book).

Someone could interview a heterosexual-male asking these questions women authors are asked.
That would be an absolutely brilliant idea. I would love to see that.

 What book that you have read has most influenced your life?
I’ve been inspired by a lot of books. The one that most influenced my life, however, no question about it: The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. My fifth grade teacher read the first book to us in class. I immediately read the rest of the series (this in turn led me to the work of writers like Tolkien, Le Guin, and Angela Carter). Not only did these books get me addicted to fantasy, it showed me that girls could go on adventures just like boys. Alexander wrote this wonderful young heroine, Eilonwy, who was just as smart (smarter in fact) and tough as the main character. Having really only encountered passive Disney princesses until that point, Eilonwy was a revelation. I credit Alexander putting me on the path to becoming a writer.

Another book that really inspired/influenced me was The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I'm continually amazed at how relevant that books remain. When the US House tried to redefine rape, the first thing that popped into my mind was that novel. It also turned me onto the idea of dystopian fiction, something that I've been fascinated with ever since.

What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans?
I’m a newbie, so I haven’t had much of a chance to interact with readers/fans yet. Someone did tell me they couldn’t wait until they had a “Lauren Jankowski” section of their library, which was incredibly flattering.

Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer? If so, what do you do during the day?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a day job at the moment (hence my being poor). I’m truly a hardcore starving artist.

 

Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?

I hope to make enough money to be able to attend a few more conventions, hopefully make some kind of living as well. I would really like to develop a niche audience that I can interact with. If I’m successful and make enough to live on, I’d like to try to develop something that helps women genre writers (serious genre). I want there to be a similar camaraderie among novelists that there is among filmmakers that I’ve met. Genre feminists should always stick together.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?
I love you all. You make this writer so incredibly happy and I hope you continue to enjoy my work.

Where can we find you online?

Amazon:http://tinyurl.com/co84a32

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/laurenm.jankowski

Twitter: @Lauren_Jankowsk

Blog:http://lifeandtimesofawriter.blogspot.com/

Sere from the Green is available on Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/d8xh6e5) and CreateSpace (https://www.createspace.com/4170910)

Taking my Books On the Road: Check me out!

Author Brook Syers interviewed me about writing, my books, and upcoming book on his blog here
Michele M. Reynolds on Brook Syers Blog. Check it out! He asked some interesting questions. A lot of you who think you know me, might be surprised with some answers. Come back here and let me know what you think about the blog.

Successful Book/Reader Break-ups: Writing a Good Ending

I was a journalism major at some point, so I had several articles published. As an intern, a good handful of my stories were printed front page and above the fold. (Look that up if you don't know what that means). I, however, am very excited about my first guest blog post for a storyteller Jordan Smith. Check it out at Jordan Smith's Fix My Story Website.

It has interesting information in a friendly package on how to write a great ending to your books.
While you are there, check our Jordan's blog. It is full of useful information.

Interview with Author Carl Purdon

Carl Purdon lives in Pontotoc, Mississippi, just a handful of miles from where he was born and raised. Pontotoc is halfway between Tupelo, which is the birthplace of Elvis, and Oxford, which was the home of William Faulkner. Since he can’t sing, he writes. Since he’s not an expert on anything in particular, he writes fiction. In February of 2012 he released his debut novel, The Night Train, and is currently working feverishly with another cast of characters in a manuscript that has not yet been named. Assuming he can decide on a title, the novel is set to be released sometime in May of 2013. Between scenes, Carl blogs about writing, and has an interview series devoted to all areas of the reading and writing community. He also has a collection of short stories and poems available on Amazon.
 

TradeMark Remark: If Carl Purdon was going camping, what would his role be?
     Firewood Gatherer. For no other reason than I don't want to have to do it.

What kind of programmer are you?

I work for an industrial automation firm. If you’ve ever been inside a factory and seen machines doing things, that’s the kind of programs I write. It’s a fun job, but has a tendency to consume too much time – time I would rather spend writing fiction.

How did you get so many people to review your book The Night Train?

I really don’t know, but I love that they decided to do that. One of my auto-tweets is a reminder for readers to leave reviews of the books they enjoy, so maybe that helps. I’ve had so much positive feedback for The Night Train, much more than the reviews reflect. One of my favorites was right after my wife donated a copy of my book to our local library. A woman called to tell me she checked it out and enjoyed it. She said she read that I was from Pontotoc and looked me up in the phonebook. How awesome is that? Another favorite is that I’ve had a couple of people tell me they were reading it for a second time. Now if I could just get more people to buy the thing I might not have to program those machines.

You stated that one of your inspirations to get published was the EBOOK REVOLUTION. Can you tell me more about your experience and predictions regarding Indie Ebook Publications?

I’ve caught a fair amount of flak from some of my author friends over my reluctance to send my manuscript to a professional editor. It has even been misinterpreted as a disdain for the occupation, but it’s really not. It’s a personal thing. It all goes back to when I was a kid thinking about writing books and having people read my words a hundred years after I’m dead (yes, I actually thought those things as a child). My words. My scenes. Not something polished, tweaked, or abridged by someone else. It’s not ego, it’s passion. It’s not disdain for editors, it’s a desire to create something and have it stand or fall on its own merit. A while back I saw a tweet by another author saying a novel was not the work of an individual, but of a team of professionals. I would stop writing if I felt that way. Honest. Proofreading and beta reading are something totally different, at least to me. Of course I need other sets of eyes to check for typos and places where I use there when I meant their, but the structure, voice, and story have to be mine. This, to me, is what indie means.

My prediction of the indie and e-book industry is that it will effectively sideline the big publishing houses and force them to adapt or go out of business. It is not very much unlike what the internet has done to the newspaper industry. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to see Random House go belly up. But I do hope they swing the gates a bit wider.

What has your experience been like as an new Indie Author? Bumps, Bruises, Highlights, and lessons?

Yes. All of those things, but I have enjoyed every minute. I learned, for instance, to hire a cover artist. The one I designed in Paint.net looked great until I saw it on Amazon alongside other books. It only took a week or so to get a cover professionally designed and uploaded, but I still cringe when I run across that old image on my laptop.

Highlights? Seeing my book on Amazon for the first time; ripping open that brown box and holding my paperback in my hand for the first time; my first autograph; my first review, then every single review after that; all the Facebook and Twitter messages from readers telling me how much they enjoyed it; when my 9-year-old son (now 10) handed me his netbook and asked if I wanted to read the book he was writing.

What have you put most of your effort into regarding writing?

Writing. It is such a time-consuming task. Even when I’m not at the keyboard I’m juggling scenes in my head, or running my characters through different situations to learn how they react. Or, lately, trying to think of a title for my upcoming release. Second would be my online presence. Establishing yourself online is crucial, and you shouldn’t wait until you are published to do it. Most of my social media efforts are with Twitter, with Facebook trailing somewhere behind that. I’m on many of the other sites, like Google+, Goodreads, and others, but I have to admit I neglect them. There simply isn’t enough time to do all those things with a dayjob and an unfinished manuscript in front of you. And there will always be an unfinished manuscript. I hope.

How did you get connected with so many authors for your 10 Question Blog Series?

Twitter mostly. It started out with me finding interesting people and sending them a DM (private Twitter message) asking if they would be interested in an interview. I’ve never had anyone decline, though one or two never responded to my questions. After the first few interviews it seemed I always had a request or two pending. Authors like being interviewed. Almost every single time I’ve received an email thanking me for not sending them stock questions. When I interview another author I make it all about them. Their book. I don’t try to sneak in links to my own stuff. I found that I actually enjoy helping other authors promote their work. Most will reciprocate, and that is why indie is a revolution and not just a concept.

You are shooting for a May finish date for your new book.

Do you have a title yet?
No, and it frustrates me. I joked with someone on Twitter yesterday that I may have to name it with an unpronounceable squiggle, like when Prince changed his name. But then they would have to call it “the book formerly known as untitled” and that probably won’t get much traction. Titles have always been hard for me. I struggled with the title for my first book, too. One morning I woke up and The Night Train hit me out of the blue. I never considered anything else. I’m hoping that happens this time, but time is running out.

What is the book about?

Yes, the elevator question. I’m so bad at this, but here goes: It’s the story of Oscar “Pap” Jones, an eccentric old man waging a private war against the furniture factory next door to his rural Mississippi home. He has discovered a way inside, and torments the owner with nighttime raids on his equipment. Pap is wily, but gets in over his head when the owner of the factory is murdered and Pap is the sole suspect. His adversary is an ex-deputy driven by political ambition and desire for a woman he can’t have. Pap’s battle to drive away the factory becomes a struggle for freedom, and to keep the house his wife had loved so much.

What is your favorite part of the book?

The character of Pap. The book started with him. The name, actually. It popped into my head and wouldn’t leave, then I started wondering what a man called Pap would be like. Turns out he was quite interesting to write about once he told me his story. My other favorite part is Boodie Craig, the antagonist. I love writing villains.

When I read books by other writers, I love it when a sentence, or phrase, makes me stop and reread it just because it grabbed me for some odd reason. When I was making my first non-edit pass of my manuscript recently, I caught myself rereading like that a couple of times. I hope I can grab my readers that way. That’s what writing is all about. Sentences really can be art sometimes.

What book (already in existence) did you wish you had written?

Wow, that’s tough. One that has sold millions and been turned into a movie. I wouldn’t mind being rich. Traveling the world, then going home to a cabin somewhere in the mountains. I’ve always said I would rather be remembered than rich, though, so maybe One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. It is such a power story, with unforgettable characters. Or maybe A Tale of Two Cities for its status as a classic. Possibly The Pioneers because it is the novel that renewed my love of reading so many years ago.

 The Night Train on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00785YND0

Collected Stories and Poems: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JOPMPI

Facebook Author page: www.facebook.com/CarlPurdon.Author

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/carlpurdon

Blogger: http://www.carlpurdon.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.carlpurdon.com

Guest Blogging Series: How to Get Guest Blogs or Interviews on Your Blog

A Little Visitor on My Blog

As you have noticed I have been using interviews or guest bloggers on my blog. I have been spending more time getting into this guest blogger connection, and not writing at all. Although I do not recommend the "not writing at all." I do recommending hosting and guesting blogging. See this article on the benefits of interviews for blogs.

I am still looking into several different sites to connect with guest bloggers. I looked into about 30 sites, and came out with only a few I liked. I will write an post on these as I become more familiar with how they work. I also cold-emailed several of my favorite authors. One of them emailed me back and did interview on my site.

 Here are some ingredients I am finding helpful for successful guest blogging and hosting:

§         Know your Theme or Focus of your Blog. This will make it easier to market yourself and to pull in the right bloggers.

§         Connect or build a relationship with the blogger you are approaching. Read his/her blog, comment on his/her site, and be familiar with his/her work.

§         Introduce yourself. You have been cyber-stalking them, but they don't know who you are. Give them links to your work, blog, etc.

§         Compliment & Flatter. Flattery will get you everywhere.

§         Talk about the Benefits of guesting or interviewing with you.

§         Be Specific on the type of guest blog or interview you wan to do.

§         Give them choice on how the interview would be done: phone, person, email, instant message, skype, etc.

§         Give them an out. "I know you are probably busy. . ."

§         Don't Be Hurt if they say no or do not respond.

§         Limit the number of questions you ask.

§         Make it as easy for them as possible.

§         Use unique questions (soon to be post on this topic).

§         Research the person. If they did interview before, know the answers, and don't ask the same thing.

§         Thank them.

§         Let them know when you plan to post the interview or guest blog, and notify them when it is posted.

§         Publicize, advertise, tweet, etc when the post is posted. Show that you are trying to draw   people to your blog.

§         Be organized. Know when questions are due to him/her, post on blog when you said you would, and do all the follow-ups needed. Make a spreadsheet, so you know the people you have approached regarding interviews/blogs, and their responses or non-response.

Guest blogging is beneficial to all involved. It gives your blog readers a fresh perspective, and helps you to make connections. What success have you had with guest blogging?