Hearth Fires (The Haunted Book 1) By Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton

10/10/2020

Accomplished authors, Bibiana and Veronica introduce us to their first collaboration, very spooky in nature, “Hearth Fires (The Haunted Book 1)”:
Enjoy an eclectic, and imaginative collection of six, original, short stories that share one central theme, the mysterious Ouija board with a nod to the troubled spirits that guide The Oracle. Take a journey through the Deep South, then head to the American Northeast, Pacific Northwest and end your reading adventure with a flight on a magical witch’s broom across the glimmering pond.

Halloween can’t come soon enough! Indulge your senses and drift over to the spooky side with Hearth Fires. If you adore “Night Gallery” “Dark Shadows” “Hocus Pocus” and anything Poe, Jackson or DuMaurier, this collection was written especially for you.

Culinary Coterie by Veronica Cline Barton––When Sammie Atherton returns to the family home in Smoky Shoals, Louisiana, she learns of a culinary legacy that has been passed down through generations. Will she be up for the challenge of leading the town’s Culinary Coterie with their mystery ingredients? Herbs and spices will never be the same again!

The Window by Bibiana Krall––Late one night in Savannah, Tabitha sees something odd in a window. A shadow? A ghost? Or is it just her imagination that something is reaching across the great divide? The risk is in finding out the truth and discovering the lengths she might be willing to go to help a stranger…

Vintage Vibrations by Veronica Cline Barton––Allie Michaels’ Salem boutique offers only the second hand best to her chichi clientele. She’s always on the search for unique finds, ready to turn a profit. When an aging actress offers her a deal too good to be true, she jumps at the offer—but will the recipients of these goods live to regret their purchases?

Dark Watchers by Bibiana Krall––Emily doesn’t realize that a surreal, childhood experience in the woods holds the key to a mystery that has haunted her ever since. Betrayal becomes part of a dangerous evening when peril and danger lurks behind the smile of a handsome genius. Will she leave Big Sur with her sanity and safety intact?

Board Whisperers by Veronica Cline Barton—When nanny Bria McEwen takes on her latest assignment in Glasgow, she’s looking forward to a luxurious holiday excursion with a seemingly, charming family touring the Scottish Whisky Trail. When her assignment is abruptly cancelled, she has one important question. Where are the children and their parents?

La Fee Vert by Bibiana Krall––A talented painter in Paris is obsessed with becoming a commercial success. Something in her soul shifts when she’s extremely close to reaching her dreams… Will Camille discover the high price of fame in The City of Lights, a glittering place paved with the broken dreams of artists long departed.

I love a scary story as much as the next person, when the goose bumps show up, I know the story is great! I don’t care for a lot of blood and gore; it takes away the fun. I get excited when righteousness and justice prevail. Everyone wants to see the bad guy get their just desserts at the end.
These stories deliver plenty of the above. They are scary and creepy in turn, with a small slice of humor included. The intersection of our contemporary world with the spirit world makes for frightening encounters.
The descriptions of Big Sur stimulated fond memories and enhanced my enjoyment.
These stories are excellent! They are not only compact they are so well written. I received wonderful, shivery pleasure and award five stars to “Hearth Fires”!

Bibiana Krall

Veronica Cline Barton

You can buy this book:
https://amazon.com/Hearth-Fires-Haunted-Book-1-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/hearth-fires
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/hearth-fires-bibiana-krall
https://www.books2read.com/HearthFires

Here is the review of Tangled Webs, the second book in the series:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/tangled-webs-the-haunted-book-2
Here is the review of Wicked Mist, the third book in the series:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/wicked-mist

You can follow the authors:
https://www.twitter.com/Bibiana1Krall
https://www.bibianakrall.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/bibianakrall
https://www.youtube.com/channel/bookem channel
https://twitter.com/VClinebarton
https://www.veronicaclinebarton.com
https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com
https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries
https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Cline-Barton
https://www.goodreads.com/author/Veronica_Cline_Barton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/#Bookem
tags: horror, shorts,
Copyright © Mark L. Schultz except for the authors’ introduction

104 Comments

Bibiana Krall link

10/11/2020 06:09:21 am

Thank you so much for this fabulous review Mark! I cannot say how cool it has been to work closely with Veronica Cline Barton on this project for the past six months.

I especially loved your comment, "I get excited when righteousness and justice prevail. Everyone wants to see the bad guy get their just desserts at the end."

I feel the same way. In real life we don't always get to enjoy that satisfaction, and it feels good to offer it via storytelling.

Mark

10/11/2020 09:38:18 am

IRL we don't always get to see justice done, clean and pure. Just as we are creatures of mixed emotions and motivations, justice is mixed quite frequently. Stories serve not only as entertainment but as a goal to strive towards justice.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

Veronica link

10/11/2020 10:25:49 am

Hi Mark--good to be back. Thank you for the lovely review of Hearth Fires! Working with Bibiana was great fun and I'm looking forward to the next installment. :)

This was my first venture into writing paranormal stories. I was a bit hesitant at first, it's always a bit intimidating to try something new. I ended up loving it! I grew up watching Twilight Zone, Dark Shadows, Night Gallery....tales of the bizarre and unknown that took you to the edge. I'm not a huge blood and gore fan (except for zombies--TWD won me over :) ). I like more of the psychological scare, something to make you think and wonder.

I think the stories in Hearth Fires does just that--they take the reader to the edge--your imagination does the rest, LOL.

Bibiana Krall link

10/11/2020 12:09:02 pm

All so true. I am originally from the midwest but over to the Deep South almost twenty two years ago. I grew up on an organic farm with horses, milk goats, chickens and lot's of other animals. I am also one of eight children, we all grew up on the same house with the same parents which is pretty unusual these days. It was kinda wild. We had the same upbringing, but all turned out very differently.

I think my love for storytelling and books was fueled by my desire to have a quiet place and I was fortunate to have a large library in the house I grew up in. Hearth Fires is very much like the kinds of stories I grew up telling around the bonfire to scare my sisters.

Mark

10/11/2020 11:54:52 am

Hi Veronica, we grew up watching a lot of the same stuff. I was a huge fan of The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits, somehow I got sucked into Dark Shadows also. I didn't know much about vampire mythology, but it sure was fun!
I am excited to hear you are doing another volume with Bibiana. I love the brand of horror you both write.
I think it's true that a book is incomplete until it is read, and every reading is different because of the understanding the reader brings to the story.

Mark

10/11/2020 01:20:27 pm

We both grew up on farms, Bibiana. We had chickens, ducks, peacocks, and a sheep. While our farm was not a working farm, we did have a large vegetable garden.
It is amazing how kids raised together can grow up to be so different. Our children were a good example of that. All three of our kids were actively involved at church and some adult leaders didn't know they were related until being informed of that fact.
New questions.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
If you are, how long have you been a full-time writer, and how much time did it take you to make the transition from part time?

Bibiana Krall link

10/11/2020 02:01:42 pm

How cool! I’m scared of peacocks though. They are a little bonkers. Although they are beautiful.

I’m not exactly sure what full or part time means with being a writer? I try to write 2k words every day or double up if I need a day off and definitely spend at least five hours on marketing, editing, uploading and writerly “duties.” I also read every day and leave reviews for the books I read. About five years ago on Halloween actually, I quit my corporate job in private aviation and went back to graduate school for Creative Writing. I also started my own business Compass Bespoke Creative where I volunteer in some community, literacy programs, mentor and coach writers, help Indies publish books and create dynamic, video book trailers for clients as well.

Long story short, I’ve been at this for five years now and devote most of my day to writing and basically have ever since I decided it was time to get to my #2 dream since I was four years old of being a writer. I have one more dream, but I’m saving that for when I’m seventy-five. Trying to pace myself. 😂

Veronica link

10/11/2020 02:31:45 pm

I can attest to your writer and technical services are awesome, Bibiana! Love your creativity!

I have been a fulltime writer since 2017. I worked as an engineer and sold enterprise software for most of my career. When I retired, I had to decide whether or not to go back to school and pursue another degree, or try something completely different like writing a book. I opted for the writing and am so glad I did. I now have a cozy mystery series with five published books (am working on book six now) in addition to the collection of scary tales with Bibiana. Bottom line, it's never too late to make a fresh start!

Bibiana Krall link

10/11/2020 04:29:13 pm

So cool Veronica! You’ve had such an amazing journey! Love that you are pursuing your dreams and I cannot wait to meet the “Twins in the City.” You totally changed my previous outlook on collaborations and made me realize that when they are done with the right people (like you) it can be the most amazing thing in the world. Thank you for your kind words. It means so much to be here with you. Can’t wait to write Hearth Fires #book 2 with you for next year. Chin chin!

Mark

10/11/2020 04:57:59 pm

Bibiana, you sound like a fulltime writer to me. All of that is about writing and the business of writing, I won't split any hairs there. Not everyone gets to pursue their dream as thoroughly as you do. Offering a valuable service and mentoring is completing the circle. Well done.
Veronica, you are right, it's never too late to start. I am so looking forward to your next book. I love the characters and the situations you expertly put them in.
I started to plan for fulltime proofreading a number of years before retirement. I wanted my business up and running before I retired, that meant making a lot of new choices, new priorities. I have met a boat load of wonderful people in the meantime, especially the two of you.
New questions.
How long have you been writing fiction?
Are you in the writing business for love of writing or for money?

Bibiana Krall link

10/11/2020 06:20:47 pm

That was very smart of you Mark. I saved up for a few years to pay everything off other than my mortgage, so I could focus on the writing rather than continue to work and not have a lot to show for it, as I was spending plenty too.

Things are more simple now, but that was a choice in exchange for having this opportunity.

I write for the love of storytelling and language. I’m afraid if it were just here for the money I would have to realign. I hope one day that a solid living will come too, but most important to me is to be read and enjoyed by readers. I have been writing poetry and fiction ever since the seventh grade. I never shared it until about six years ago when I met Gracie. She egged me on and sort of double-dog dared me. She’s a ghost that I encountered in South Carolina next to Hatchett Creek. I met a Gullah woman named Pearline soon after who confided that her daughter used to see them out there too. Her stories were more scary though. Mine felt more like an old friend telling me what happened to her and asking me to write it down.

Mark

10/11/2020 07:03:54 pm

Life is full of choices and every choice has a consequence. It's impossible to have it all.
I think telling stories is part of our DNA, everyone in every culture does it.
With Gracie's encouragement, you shared your talent with the world. That is a nice story, especially because Gracie is a ghost. Have you shared that story of her urging you to share your gift? In so many ghost stories, the spirit is angry and mean, for reasons that are not always obvious. Gracie sounds quite nice. For that reason alone, it is an intriguing story.
New questions.
Does your past work have any influence on your writing?
What inspired you to enter a collaboration to write this book?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

Veronica link

10/12/2020 05:45:44 am

I think being in sales and project management inspired many new villains (and a few monsters) in my writing, LOL! Unfortunately, you get to see the best and worst of people in sales and large project situations--especially when large sums of money, career advancements and power plays are involved. Revenge and dark deeds are alive and well in fact and fiction!

Bibiana and I had a unique opportunity to meet up in person in January and March before the pandemic launched its global lockdown. I still remember sneaking down to the lobby at dawn and sitting by the fire as we discussed Savannah's haunted background. In March we met again in San Jose and went to the Winchester Mansion--a house with a very, ahem, interesting past. And more than a bit haunted I think...When the world shutdown, we both wanted to keep creating and try something different and challenging---Hearth Fires was our joint result. :)

I definitely think the genre chose us. Once we made the decision to go forward with the ouija board theme, I was amazed at how the words flowed. I had more than a few spooky occurrences at the house to keep me on my toes, too, LOL. I think the global lockdown made the spirits restless too....

Bibiana Krall link

10/12/2020 09:35:49 am

Good morning! Yes, Gracie the ghost was a kindhearted soul and a little bit bossy too. The good kind. Carolina Spirit was inspired by her story but in it she’s not a ghost, the audio book is coming out soon as well. Apparently I’m a contrarian?

As far as 🎃 Hearth Fires, 📚 I definitely feel like being able to meet Veronica In person made a huge difference. We went to a lot of places in Savannah I consider to have more than their share of ghostly energy. We connected as creatives, women, foodies and travelers. I feel that writing these stories was a natural next step to see where it took us. I created my own genre a few years ago that I call “supernatural realism.” So writing of spooky or scary things is not new for me, the real trick in my mind was to find the perfect balance between my style and Veronica’s, so that the reader would come away satisfied, entertained and happy.

My old career doesn’t really feed this one with one exception, characters and dialogue. I’ve been lucky to travel extensively and meet wonderful people from all over the world. People watching and eavesdropping in airports is a fine art and one I miss a lot right now. I will never run out of characters, as human beings are endlessly fascinating to me and at airports the drama show is as good or better than TV, especially during extreme weather events like blizzard and hurricanes.

Mark

10/12/2020 10:26:37 am

That is fun to hear how you two got started on this collaboration.
The Winchester Mystery House is a place I have yet to visit, though I have read about it and seen shows about it. What a strange and unusual place!
Money is a very emotional topic, so many people lose part of their logical mind when it comes to money.
I love people watching, the stories I invent in my mind to match what I see are fun. You can learn so much about human nature when a little bit of pressure is applied to most people.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your book? Feel free to drop a link if appropriate.
What do the elements on the cover represent?

Veronica link

10/12/2020 11:14:13 am

Thanks, Mark! My step-daughter, Danielle Gregorio did the cover design for Hearth Fires--it's one of my favs! The cover is based upon a old Ouija board design--I love this one with the skull and wings! :) The red splats of blood give the cover that 'pop' of red so useful in any design--what better way to showcase the scary tales inside...#BOO!

Morgan Wright (@byMorganWright) did the book cover animation and the short story trailer--both incorporated the cover design and really are great for marketing.

Bibiana has also created numerous trailers for us for the book and each story incorporating the cover as well. Her creative video clips bring the stories to life and I love the music selections too!

I'm very, very lucky to have these creatives in my #writing world for sure!

Mark

10/12/2020 12:10:26 pm

The cover is quite good! I like that video by Morgan also, the music is nice.
Visitors to the interview can see it above in the review.
You make a good point, Veronica, writing the first draft of a book is a very solitary undertaking, after that other people come in to help make it a shining jewel.
New questions.
Was it hard to come up with the title? What was the process?
Were the character names difficult to develop? How did you choose them?

Veronica link

10/12/2020 12:42:36 pm

Bibiana and I bantered around the book names for some time. I liked Hearth Fires because for me it represented times sitting around a fire telling ghost stories as a kid. Now i like to sit by a cozy fire to read--so it seemed to bridge the gap from past to present.

For the names used in my stories in Hearth Fires--I kind of let the location and dialect dictate the names. Culinary Coterie is pure southern--had to have Grannie Ellie, LOL. For Vintage Vibrations, I focused on Veda Norton, 'the famous movie star' because it had that Sunset Blvd. vibe for me--stay tuned, that 'character' may just make an appearance in my next cozy mystery as well! For Board Whisperers, my MC Bria is the sister of my nanny in my cozy series...I guess I had a bit of cross, literary-moniker pollination going on, LOL.

Bibiana Krall link

10/12/2020 01:16:21 pm

I love this! Danielle Gregorio really outdid herself on the bookcover. Because the six stories are themed with the ouija in on form or another we took a lot of artistic liberty in how it was used. In only one story does anyone actually use it. You will have to read to see how though. : -) I actually went a different way with names. I tend to use names that have a specific meaning or something personal, although I do try my best to go along the the local culture, (The Window) Tabitha is an unusual name in many places but in Savannah it really wouldn’t be. (Dark Watchers) Emily was my grandmother’s name. She was brave and adventurous like the main character and I didn’t even realize she was there until the story was drafted. (La Fee Vert) Camille to me is an extremely traditional French name and in many ways she was, to the point that she understood the darkness that may hold if we blindly follow traditions and systems.

Hearth Fires to me are the symbolic ones that celebrated harvest, the light and warmth in a hearth that also welcomed travelers home. An ancient observance to feel comfort and be grateful. I wanted readers to leave the world behind and to listen to us spin a yarn or two.

Mark

10/12/2020 04:54:54 pm

I noticed the ouija reference in several of the stories. It is an enduring symbol of trying to communicate with the spirit world.
Your name choices seemed perfect. They all fit quite well. I love how your grandmother's name appeared in the story, that was very cool.
Bonus question for you both.
What other spooky events did you encounter while writing the stories?

Mark

10/12/2020 04:39:32 pm

I remember ghost stories around the camp fire also. It was a lot of fun and scary also. I wasn't very good at telling them, though. A fire is very comforting, I love the ambiance created by the snapping and crackling of fires.
I loved the names you chose for your stories, they all fit well. Coming across Bria's name in the Board Whisperers made me laugh because she is an important character in your book, Double Trouble, which I loved and reviewed in July 2020.
New questions.
Your book is available as an e-book and a paperback. Are you planning any other formats?
This is your first venture outside of writing cozy mysteries, it seems like you enjoyed it. What is the next genre you would like to try?

Veronica link

10/12/2020 04:52:21 pm

I think Bibiana and I really love the Hearth Fires book cover and are considering a limited hardcover release. We haven't discussed an audio option--yet...

I think for me, I will stick with the cozy mysteries and the paranormal genres for now as in The Haunted series. I'm still playing around with Rikkhe St. Claire's Hygges and Bisous Mystery series--I loved introducing her in Double Trouble. I think she might be ready to branch out on her own. Two cozy series and paranormal short stories are probably my limit, LOL. Never say never though...

Bibiana Krall link

10/12/2020 05:16:15 pm

Thank you! I never say never. I end up wishing I hadn’t ... I am definitely hoping we do more with the book and consider all options as audio is certainly growing every year in popularity. I’m looking forward to exploring that.

The Window started off the stories for me. I live in a historic area and some pretty spooky stuff happens. It tends to wake me up. It began with a message in a window written in the mist. I always know when I wake up from a dead sleep at 3-4 a.m. I’m going to experience something strange. I couldn’t tell what it written and for a change decided to leave it alone and went to my desk and just started writing instead.

I like to write in many genres, but always with mystery and suspense...so who knows what’s next? And p.s. my campfire tales are so scary that some people I know won’t even let me tell them anymore. 😂🎃📚

Mark

10/12/2020 06:33:12 pm

Your idea of a limited, hardbound release is a good one. Here is a link to a blog by one of my favorite bloggers about an author who made millions with that concept. Copy and paste time: https://kriswrites.com/2020/07/22/business-musings-the-kickstarted-game-changer-part-two/
The time may or may not be right for this kind of Kickstarter, but it is worth considering.
Never say never, that is good advice. Why limit yourself or inspiration needlessly.
Well, Bibiana, your muse seems a little bit scary, perhaps you have more than one. That does explain why your stories focus on mystery and the macabre.
New questions.
I think the horror genre is pretty big and probably has several subgenres. What subgenre would Hearth Fires fall into?
How many categories did you utilize for this book on Amazon?

Veronica link

10/13/2020 08:10:37 am

I think Hearth Fires falls into several sub-genres in and out of Horror. You definitely have a paranormal nuance, but we also delve into folklore aspects, historical tales handed down from generations, psychological suspense, mysticism, regional beliefs/lore, and maybe a smidge of black magic.

We also wanted to market Hearth Fires with the coming Halloween season and take advantage of the different locales of each story so that readers can 'travel the globe' while reading--an aspect we felt especially important now that we're experiencing a global shutdown.

Category classifications is a whole new beast, LOL. Bibiana can host a Masterclass on this topic--I'll leave this topic to the expert! :)

Bibiana Krall link

10/13/2020 09:59:12 am

You might be right. I never considered that I had more than one muse and I agree about the scary part. Sometimes I just want to ease off on that and usually read cozy mysteries and sometimes women’s fiction to have some happy balance.

Horror is an enormous genre with so many sub-genres it would take a whole pad of post it notes to cover them all.

My greatest concern with potential readers is that they might potentially misunderstand and think this book is one of the most popular sub-genes like ‘splatter’ or others that have gory and horrific, bloody images or aggressions that are terrifying, triggering or gross.

This is totally not what I do, and not what we did with Hearth Fires. It is deeply rooted in American and European folklore and the paranormal with a sub-level genre of haunted houses or ghosts/spirits of some kind moving in and out of a modern reality.

We used these categories and a few more, anthology, short story collection etc., as we wanted it to be crystal clear that these are short stories, not a novel. There is also a strong travel element which includes haunted places or areas that are well-known to have their fair share of strange and unusual happenings.

It’s tough to decide on categories. I often change the categories midstream, because keeping a book in the top one hundred is difficult and a ton of work. It takes savvy on the marketing end and happy readers buying and reviewing on the consumer side. I’m thrilled that so many people have enjoyed our storytelling and look forward to earning best seller and #1 status in the Kindle Store for Hearth Fires.

I’m so proud of what we’ve created together, especially since all of this evolved during lockdown. It’s encouraging that anything good can come from a time of such deep loss and struggle. It gives me hope and has shown me in a real way that we are all stronger when we work together.

Mark

10/13/2020 11:08:47 am

Halloween is right around the corner. Timing is important.
Placing a book into only10 Amazon categories out of hundreds can be very hard and make an important difference in how well the book does. Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur.com has done a lot of research about this topic that you might find interesting, if you don't already know about him.
I have avoided horror for years because the category seemed to be full of blood and gore. Now I know differently and am happy to have learned that. Cozy horror and cozy murder are in my top 10 favorite genres.
New questions.
Have you entered any writing contests?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

Veronica link

10/13/2020 12:23:54 pm

I have not entered any writing contests to date where you write a new poem or short story for a competition.

I have entered a few of my books into some reader eval contests. The Crown for Castlewood Manor; Cast, Crew & Carnage: the Filming of Castlewood Manor and Deadly Receptions: the Debut of Castlewood Manor received New Apple Book awards in their mystery categories that I'm very grateful to have received.

A few months ago I received a very nice surprise to learn Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor had made it to BookAuthority's list of Best New Realistic Fiction Books to Read in 2020; Best New Mystery Books to Read in 2020; and in their Best Suspense Books of All Time lists! This was a wowza moment for me since their selections are based purely on public mentions, recommendations, ratings, sentiment, popularity and sales history. Our interview here on your website, Mark was a key influencer they listed--so many thanks to you too! You can see the other books on their list here:
https://bookauthority.org/books/new-mystery-books

https://bookauthority.org/books/new-realistic-fiction-books

https://bookauthority.org/books/best-suspense-books

I have one contest I entered Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor in--results will be announced on December 31st...Fingers crossed, it's for Writer's Digest. What a way to end 2020!!

Bibiana Krall link

10/13/2020 01:16:55 pm

I agree that some types of horror are not my cup of ? I prefer a blend of gothic elements, romaticism and atmosphere––versus the sort of thing that might be on a late-night crime show.

Thrilled to pieces... ( see what I did there) that you have converted at least in the vein that you are willing to explore the other sub-genres. I have long believed that the payout is exactly the same in Horror as it is in Romance.

I know that it sounds strange, but if you think about how the hand is played in each genre, it's basically the same, but one has a happy ever after and the other clearly does not.

I have only tried my hand at a few contests and so far have not won any prizes, but I love the challenge and usually go for a huge one like Writer's Digest or Stockholm. It's more about finishing a manuscript than winning at this point for me, but I would be quite glad to try out that feeling! I did receive a scholarship to attend graduate school for Creative Writing a few years ago from Wilkes University.

I wouldn't have had the money or the gumption to do it without that push. Not to mention the notice came in late November and by January I was enrolled and up in Pennsylvania, already attending my first on campus residency. It was a dream come true to be there and a huge learning curve studying with my fabulous cohort the WhyNots.

Amazing congrats on your amazing awards Veronica. You totally deserve it!

Mark

10/13/2020 02:15:25 pm

How exciting, Veronica, I am very happy to have played a small part in your success. Winning or placing in the Writer's Digest contest would be a wonderful accolade, certainly well deserved.
Winning that scholarship had to be an exciting event, and learning more about your craft and gaining more skill is reward that never stops giving.
I have been a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, since promoting books I have found excellent writing in so many genres and am now a fan of good writing regardless of the genre.
That is a good point, Bibiana, about romance and horror being very similar right up to the end, the difference is stark at that point.
New questions.
I noticed that you didn’t put your book in Kindle Unlimited. Why is that?
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers or did you go straight to indie publishing or self-publishing, and why?

Veronica link

10/13/2020 02:40:32 pm

I have never put my books on KU because of intellectual property (IP) concerns. I didn't ant my IP tied up as I pursue different marketing paths.

I have not queried that much. I did try with Mistletoe and Mayhem for a short time--but received some feedback that since it was tied to an existing, published series it wasn't a good fit. I decided to keep My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series as an Indie series.

I'm toying with querying the Hygges and Bisous series--but I'm watching traditional publishing now. With the pandemic, I'm sensing quite a bit of change going on with traditional publishers. Their business practices have to change in the age of Zoom. It will be interesting to see what new online tools/practices emerge for submissions and sales. I think Indie authors will be well positioned to take advantage of new practices that may have been obstacles before. We're used to building an internet presence and doing everything on our own. I want to learn what new trends are working, and which ones are not.

Bibiana Krall link

10/13/2020 03:13:01 pm

I wanted to go wide. When you put your title on KU you commit to three months of Amazon alone.

Right now Hearth Fires is not only on library lists all over the world, but it's on Barnes & Noble, Kobo and many other online booksellers.

Not only that but I have tried KU a few times and it has not paid off for me. I have had tons of downloads, but I truly believe that free books are great, but don't necessarily attract the super-fan readers and/or generate reviews. All of these factors are important for the life of a book.

If someone is willing to spend their hard-earned money, I personally feel that they will also be more likely to finish the book and to tell their friends if they enjoyed it.

I was Indie, before I went to school and I have queried a few different titles, but so far my dream arrangement has not fallen into place.

I am currently querying a generational mystery that I am very excited about. I agree with Veronica that this is an interesting time in the book business and it's hard to say what is in store.

Storytelling is one of the most integral aspects of being human and offering insight into understanding our world. The question is how will stories be delivered in the future and who will deliver them?

So much change is going on, I think the most important thing to think about is how we can add value to other people's lives, promote literacy and get more people reading.

Traditional and Indie publishing models both have their positives and negatives, but in the end––we are all here to tell stories and earn a living doing what we love.

Mark

10/13/2020 04:06:54 pm

Kindle Unlimited is one ingenious way that Amazon corrals producers and consumers of literature. 'Free' books seems like a wonderful idea for the avid readers. Getting paid a fraction of a cent per page doesn't always pay very well for the author. It can be a decent indicator of how good the book really is. The consumer won't keep turning the page of a boring book. Amazon provides metrics for the author without providing the all-important email address to the author. Only Amazon can know and use that information.
I think going wide is a much better bet, in the long run, for the author. Retaining intellectual property rights is essential for any long term profits to be realized by the author.
People are going to want to read and consume stories in many different ways. The indie author is best equipped to meet those needs. The traditional publishers, though few in number now, are working from a dying paradigm. They used to be the gatekeepers for the publishing industry, only allowing publication of the best books, books that would give them the best profit. Amazon has pulled the curtain back and revealed how weak that little guy at the controls really is.
I think that indie authors are best served by keeping control of their books and thereby their destiny, because once an IP is licensed or several licenses are agreed to, the author is at the mercy of the publisher. The publisher can require substantial changes, reject a preferred cover, even delay publishing for months or a year. Until sales are made there are no payments to the author. An advance bonus? So much smaller than they used to be, the bonus is repaid by sales, it's not a gift from the publisher.
Don't get me wrong, there will always be a handful of traditional publishers, some of them serving a certain niche. In the main, they are going the way of the dinosaurs. Rant over.
New questions.
Do you think independent publishers can produce a book as good as mainstream publishers?
What are the three most important considerations for an independent author to be certain of when signing a contract with an independent or hybrid publisher?

Veronica link

10/13/2020 05:10:23 pm

I do believe an indie publisher can produce a very high quality, competitive product as compared to a mainstream publisher----but, you need to realize an investment is going to have to be made. Editing/proofing; cover design; technical and marketing platforms to do pre and post sales content and promotion...you're going to need a budget and a plan.

I've been in this now for almost 3 years and I'm still learning and investing everyday. Creating and rolling out a book takes talent, perseverance and resources--significant investments if you want to try and compete. You're basically starting a business and all that that entails. You can't skip steps or lowball your product, IMO--you won't be competitive.

I have received many calls from so called agents or marketing firms that say they want to purchase the rights to my books--a little resource shows the scams--they want you to invest thousands of dollars and for what?

Before I would sign any contract I'd 1) research the firm--its history, client references, complaints etc. 2)understand the business model proposed--ie investments, royalties, marketing, IP, duration. It would probably be a good idea to bring in an accountant and attorney to review and assess. and 3) Evaluate the people you'll work with. Will you be able to form a relationship built on synergy and trust? If not, that's going to be a problem.

Bibiana Krall link

10/13/2020 10:32:58 pm

I definitely know an Indie can produce a gorgeous book from soup to nuts. I've seen it and I've done it too. The most beautiful Indie book (hardcover) I have ever seen is The Chimera of Prague by MIT alum and contemporary author Rick Pryll.

The cover art is amazing, and the interior is impeccable, not to mention the writing, lest we forget. Do most of us have the resources or knowledge to create something like this? Not exactly. Is a traditional publisher willing to create bespoke covers or go that extra mile for an unknown or a debut? Doubtful.

The bottom. bottom line is the more you plan, the more you can conceptualize and can pull it together. This is one small part of what it is to be a self-published author in this incredible era.

Some of us get lucky and we find or know the people we need to help us succeed in a very competitive arena, marketers, artists, editors and so on. It's an enormous challenge and it most certainly is a business. It also takes money, discipline, relationships and energy to make this all happen.

When it comes to book contracts I always tell people to think of your project as an individual. What will it need to get where it wants to go?

Does the company have the scope, reach and clout you are hoping for?

Everything matters and the future is also a factor, will they want more of the same or allow a little freedom to try new genres or explore if it's a multi deal. When you sign with any agent or publisher it's important to look at their core values, are they able to keep their authors happy and does this alliance serve you and your project? If it doesn't, think hard before you leap, but do everything in a professional way and be courteous, even if it's a pass on your side.

I also fully support authors retaining an entertainment attorney to read a contract closely. How long is this agreement? What happens after the time frame and if you really want some ooey-gooey dialogue... what will happen with audio, international and film rights? These are tiny blips that may be included in the back half of a contract that will become extremely important later on. These are items that should be separate and should all be negotiated as such.

No matter what you do. Be smart, read everything and reach out to people who can help you with the experience and know how to keep everything positive and straightforward so that you can concentrate on the best part of all, writing that next story. Hearth Fires #2? Whoo hoo!

Good luck out there and thanks to everyone reading these posts and connecting with us on Twitter and of course for reading and supporting our new release, Hearth Fires. Have a fabulous day!

Mark

10/13/2020 11:24:37 pm

I love it! You both have a great business sense! So many authors don't think these things through. They have the creative hat stuck on their head and their head is in the sand. They ignore the issues of business as long as they can. In the rush to solve a problem, little to no research is actually done. All of this hurry and scurry is frequently followed by weeping and gnashing of teeth.
You both mentioned quality publishing, earlier this year Kristine Rusch, one of my favorite bloggers, wrote about a highly successful Kickstarter put on by Brandon Sanderson, A very successful, tradtional-published author. He raised several million dollars for a special-edition, hardback version of one of his books. He shows it can be done. Here is the link for the second of two posts by Katherine: https://kriswrites.com/2020/07/22/business-musings-the-kickstarted-game-changer-part-two/. The second post contains the link for the first post also. I think she is spot on about the possibilities.
New questions.
As self-publishers, let's talk about marketing for a bit.
Is using Twitter and other social media part of your marketing strategy?
Did you use ads on Amazon or other platforms such as Facebook or Bookbub?

Veronica link

10/14/2020 07:56:27 am

I'm re-assessing my social media strategy---so many things have changed with the pandemic and global shutdown. I primarily use Twitter for my book marketing on a daily basis, and FB/Insta maybe once a week. I'm not sure how effective SM is as a marketing platform these days.

I think folks are very concerned about the external factors that have changed their lives--the economy/jobs/livelihoods, COVID, quarantine, the presidential election (which does have global implications), inability to travel and socialize...I don't know if reading books is a high priority for many at this time. With lockdown likely lasting another 6 months to a year, I don't know how effective marketing campaigns will be.

I have placed ads on FB in the past. They're very expensive and I don't believe effective, at least for me. I have tried campaigns on Amazon with limited success. Again, with the current external influences at play, I question spending loads of ad dollars at this time.

I am more focused on getting my website established and make headway in the SEO universe. To me, this is the major focus for my marketing spend this year and was a much needed investment. I had a blog for the first few years on Wordpress, but knew I needed to have my own platform for outreach and subscriber promotions. I utilized Bibiana's Compass Bespoke Creative Services for the web design and tech support. She was fabulous to work with and I love my new website. It has everything for a one-stop hub: my blog, book pages--even a store to buy my fav sparkly baubles if you're interested!

I love branching out on YouTube with Bibiana and Amy Reade for our #BOOKEM channel. That's been a very fun event where each week we give updates on what's going on in our writer's life, feature other authors and their books and fun tidbits!

Bottom marketing line--choose the efforts that have long term potential as a priority and branch out to as many SM platforms that you find effective. I will be placing ads when I feel the time is right--here's to 2021!

Bibiana Krall link

10/14/2020 10:25:48 am

Wow! Thank you for that incredible lead in Veronica. I’m not big on ads and here’s why. I get upwards of 100 emails a day, maybe ten of them are something important. I delete the rest.

Think about that.

We are being bombarded every day with politics, end of the world conversations, ads everywhere and not to mention real life issues of loved ones getting sick, money or lack of and just the physical oddness that’s is social distancing. So if this ad could solve these problems and make people feel happy and calm, I would spend all of my money on that.

The magic pill doesn’t exist. Book marketing to me has nothing to do with books at all. I am on social media to talk about my projects, but what I really want are relationships and a community that will support me and I can support in kind. Human to human. People who know more than I do, people who are witty and hopefully people who make me feel just as a wonderful book does, that I’m not alone.

This pandemic has changed a lot and one of the biggest things is our screen time. I’ve noticed that the same people who were online at ten p.m. last night are already tweeting away. What does all this marketing or data pushing really accomplish? This is the question I ask myself after the hundredth notification but no one has really said anything of depth to anyone. To be clear, I once thought social media was a wonderful way to get the message out, but now I’m understanding that it’s the individual I hope to reach. The book lover, the person who longs to travel and wonders about mysterious things. What I’ve learned is that people are reading, but the ones who are probably are not on social media at all, ahem... because they are reading. That’s where the SEO comes in. Using data to help someone find us out there in the sea that is the Internet is tough to do. I’ve been teaching myself how to understand it so that I can use it as it was originally designed, a tool. I have been offering more lately to tune in to book clubs and have a free discussion of a group wants to highlight one of my stories. The real connections are the only ones that actually sell the books. Sure people see what I’m doing and think it’s cool, but I’ve learned that they have to admire, like or be curious about what I have to say and that’s where it comes together. I miss being social In 3-D for real and I’m pursuing ways to connect in real time and via Bookem on YouTube with Amy Reade and Veronica Cline Barton. Our aim has always been to be authentic and positive and to help people understand that books can help us get through the roughest times. So long long answer. I no longer think ads can create the bonds needed to connect us to our tribe.

Amy M Reade link

10/14/2020 10:48:36 am

This has been a fabulous interview with both women. I have such a deep respect for their writing abilities and their fun-loving personalities, and they have both become very important to me. It's wonderful to read more about them and their thoughts and journeys. Thanks, Mark and Bibiana and Veronica, for a great post!

Veronica link

10/14/2020 11:10:57 am

Thank you so much, Amy!

Bibiana Krall link

10/14/2020 11:46:09 am

I am misting up. Thank you so much Amy. It's been a daunting year and to have such a talented writer like you say this makes me feel so happy. Funny how we first bonded. It was over a book you know?

Thank you so much for joining us here and for everything. I couldn't ask for a better group of writers and friends to spend my time with. See you on #BOOKEM today.

Mark

10/14/2020 12:35:58 pm

Thanks for dropping in and sharing about your journey with Bibiana and Veronica. I am glad you are enjoying the interview.l

Mark

10/14/2020 10:57:30 am

Veronica, your website is very nice looking. I noticed the crowns, they are lovely.
I think you have said something very important, Bibiana. You, Veronica and I are all hungry for human interaction. Social isolation has been very hard and a serious factor in the increase of suicide this year.
Marketing and promotion have one goal, to sell a product, if the marketing is well constructed the customer will perceive the product as meeting a need in their life and buy it. Books are important for many reasons, but not to everyone.
Mastering SEO is important and I wish you well. I hear that it is not a set-it-and-forget-it deal, it requires constant adjusting, because peoples' needs change daily.
Advertisers and retailers have worked very hard to establish a personal connection to their customers, they know that kind of connection builds brand loyalty. Repeat customers are the lifeblood of any business. No business can survive long without repeat customers. These businesses make great efforts to ensure that their customers know where to find them.
For an author, that means a website. A place where the customer can come and not be distracted by another pretty face or popular product.
New questions.
Do you have a newsletter you send out to fans? Why or why not?
If you do have a newsletter, which mailing service do you use?
Is it the same one you started with or not? Why?

Veronica link

10/14/2020 11:21:47 am

I currently do not have a newsletter that I send out. I offer a weekly blog post each Wednesday morning that I tweet and post on Twitter and FB that is newsletter-like in format, covering a variety of topics. Since I just recently switched from Wordpress to WIX, I'm in the build-up subscriber and SEO optimization phase.

I have mixed feelings about sending out a newsletter--I subscribe to many blogs/newsletters and am finding the daily/weekly notifications to be a bit much at times. I think Bibiana covered it well--we're being inundated with notifications on SM, email, TV, texts etc--need to establish some checks and balances for what we allow in. Case in point--I subscribe to Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper newsletter. I truly enjoy the content--very inspirational. She recently has also started to send out content on Wednesday's that usually ends up being unread and deleted. Sometimes less is more...

Bibiana Krall link

10/14/2020 12:18:57 pm

I agree that a website is very important. I began building mine almost five years ago and worked on it while I was in school full time and still producing and publishing books as an Indie.

I almost lost my mind, but I learned a lot. I learned that you need to pace yourself with the tech and what it means to be a writer and also to try help people see who you really are. I was told once that the people who 'make it' fit in or just pretend well. So untrue and terrible advice.

You don't have to do the same things or take the same path, in fact I call bull shark and deeply relate to people who wear their individuality like a badge of honor.

I don't do a newsletter. I do blog posts about writing, life, sometimes recipes and anything that's on my mind. I am on a YouTube channel as well.

The blog that I send out every 8-10 days is plenty and honestly if people want to get in touch... I am here. Rather than making it a chore or tying me down, I write one when I am inspired and have something to say.

Perhaps it's an unusual business model, but I want to be true, authentic, excited and personally cannot stand the sites that send me an email every morning. It's a quick way to lose me fast.

I agree with Veronica that less is a lot more and I like the white space in between.

Mark

10/14/2020 12:48:32 pm

I detect a theme about newsletters. I certainly appreciate your comments, both of you. I find I am overwhelmed also. I subscribe to a lot of newsletters and blogs for a variety of reasons. This morning I deleted half a dozen without even looking at them. I usually open them, but not this morning.
I have been hearing over and over, that a website and a newsletter are necessary for an author to build and maintain a fanbase. So, I am very interested in the long term results that you both achieve by following a different path. You might well be on to something.
New questions.
What kind of marketing are you doing or planning on doing for your book?
In your experience, which marketing avenues have been the most rewarding or profitable?

Veronica link

10/14/2020 01:05:15 pm

For the Hearth Fires launch, we did a giveaway campaign so that all early readers would have the chance to win a #spooktacular velvet cape and tiara. That was lots of fun and we had great interest. Bibiana has also created several video trailers for the book and each story that have been great promo content that we've posted on different SM platforms. They certainly get your attention and are a great way to promote your books.

I think reaching out to readers, establishing relationships and developing 'word of mouth' praise is the best marketing tool a writer can have. It's nice to have a 'squad' to help launch a new book. I know I appreciate everything that fellow writers/readers do to support and I try to reach out and help where I can too. The personalized touch is invaluable!

Bibiana Krall link

10/14/2020 01:28:05 pm

I call it cross pollination. It's a multi-level adventure where you do everything you can to get other people excited, some of them are also ARC readers which helps a lot. They know the story. It's hard to recommend or talk about something you have never seen. Good planning is integral to have all of that happen before, during and after a book launch.

I have a friend who does a newsletter and she says it works well for her book launches. I prefer to create a street team or a group of people who appreciate the hard work and also want to have some fun as well.

Doing a giveaway is great, and Veronica also made swag. It's a ouija bookmark and it was extremely popular. I ran out the first week! I think the most important thing to do is to stay on people's minds with video and fun moments that they can share, but don't drown them either. It's a tough balance and every group of readers is different. So what works for us may not work for you. Be flexible and stay organized so that you can feel in control and be cool. And lastly, don't forget to congratulate yourself. You done did it.

Now get back to work. Lol. :-)

Mark

10/14/2020 01:57:16 pm

Those are good ideas, in fact, I have seen calls for people to join a street team or get an advanced review copy, ARC, to leave a review as soon as a book is live. I heard of one author who published a hard copy version of the book first, knowing full well there would not be sales. So there would be a place for the readers of ARCs to leave a review.
The book trailers are gorgeous. Feel free to put a link here for them.
Offering swag in a book launch is another good idea. I see invitations to live launches on Facebook quite often.
Some authors set up two author pages on Facebook, a general page and a private page for the street team and ARC readers. It seems like a good way to promote a personal touch.
New questions.
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?

Veronica link

10/14/2020 06:41:00 pm

One issue that has happened to me recently is Amazon not letting me post book reviews for certain accounts. I purchase all books with my own funds and do not charge for reviews. I try and read/review at least one book per week to support authors--I don't expect anything in return or in-kind. I have no idea why they are doing this--I have written to their customer service but they do not reply. I find the blocking of certain accounts (which are predominantly indie authors) absurd and very disheartening. Ironically I receive at least 2-3 emails from Amazon each day asking me to review products I've purchased!

Agatha Christie, Rhys Bowen and M.C. Beaton have been favorites for years. I enjoy many indie authors on Twitter--Bibiana Krall, Amy Reade, Sheila Patel, Lisette Brody, Victoria Benchley, Brenda Guiton, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Kelly Miller, Steve O'Farrell, MJ LaBeff...the list goes on and on. I have 3 authors who shall remain unnamed for now that have contenders for my top 3 books in 2020--stay tuned!

Bibiana Krall link

10/14/2020 03:49:42 pm

Those are tough questions. Since I literally just left the early voting poll. I’m ready. There are a lot of things that go on in any business that are unsavory and the book business is no different.

Lately I’ve seen an uptake in vanity type of publishers, rip off’s and “film contests.” Where you send an entire manuscript and sometimes pay them money to take it. Say what? Then if you “win” or they take you on, you pay more money or worse. They keep all of your rights and pay you a flat thousand bucks.

Sure that’s great and all, but we are potentially talking about a company that could develop this into a film or even spinoff merchandise. It’s nuts.

A traditional agency would never make you pay like that and would never ask for a full manuscript without you sending a query or a pitch prior to that or ask you to give up that much, if they are legit. If it seems like a dream come true or you never even asked for this person to contact you... swim away from the rocks because your blood is in the water.

I read so much it’s almost impossible to name a fave book or author. I’m a fan of Poe, Bronte, Allende and Du Maurier to name a few. We could be here for days if I went on. 😂📚 Hearth Fires has a wonderful blend of the lessons from these authors. Atlmosphere, symbolism, romantic elements and mystery. Watch the book trailers on YouTubr for the individual stories.

Bibiana Krall Books | Barefoot Films https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1fsdRyMJyibd7L-Pp7gycA

Mark

10/14/2020 07:18:04 pm

I am sorry to hear the 'Zon is being so pigheaded. They have a love hate relationship with reviewers. Several years ago, there were all kinds of reviewer farms, reviewers on fiverr and scams. Some of these reviewers would leave a 1 star review unless you paid them more money. Amazon got tired of it and put in new algorithms that eliminated many honest and true reviewers with many of the scammers. They eliminated all of the reviews also. They closed accounts on some people, all the books on your kindle were gone. It was a terrible and frustrating time. That is also why they instituted the $50.00 worth of purchases in a year before you could leave a review, to get rid of the bots and review farms who were creating a new account everyday.
If you fight your way through the contact us garbage on their website, you eventually get to chat with a person.
Bibiana, you called out some great scams. They are pernicious and change names constantly. Victoria Strauss has a page for alerting authors to scams, it is called writer beware. She has a lot of good information, definitely worth subscribing to. Here is a copy-and-paste link: https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/
Thanks for sharing the link to the videos.
New questions.
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

Veronica link

10/15/2020 06:40:50 am

Some of my fav books from childhood are Black Beauty, Little Women (and the sequels) and the Trixie Belden mysteries. I couldn't wait to get a new book in the series. I loved reading about Trixie and her friends and family sleuthing adventures. They ignited my love for mysteries and book series!

Hard to choose a favorite book in my series--I love different aspects in each one...

The Crown for Castlewood Manor---Gemma breaks from life in Malibu and reconnects with her family history and ancestral home.

Cast, Crew, & Carnage: Romance blossoms with Gemma and Kyle as the filming of Castlewood Manor begins.

Deadly Receptions: Travel across the US and the train trip was an exciting twist

Mistletoe and Mayhem: Major shift in the storyline. I still cry when I read the last chapter (listening to TSO's Christmas Canon) :)

Double Trouble: Figgy and the arrival of the twins---oh baby!

Margaret Lindsay Holton link

10/15/2020 02:07:56 am

What a fabulous & interesting interview y’all! Great questions Mark ~ and deliciously informed replies ladies! ~ Here’s to all your continued success!

Bibiana Krall

10/15/2020 06:04:11 am

Thank you so much for being here with us. It means a lot. This interview about Our new release Hearth Fires and the writing life has been a ton of fun. Thanks again! Have a fabulous day! 🌸📚🍃

Mark

10/15/2020 09:34:14 am

Thank you for visiting, Margaret. I appreciate the compliment. The ladies have been great guests!

Bibiana Krall link

10/15/2020 06:01:30 am

First of all thank you so much for the shoutout and compliment, Veronica. I feel the same way about you. Isn’t that how we met?

I’m starting to realize that books have been a bridge for me and a way to meet amazing people. I look forward to getting to know the authors I have not had the pleasure of reading yet.

Favorite childhood book is a tough one for me. I would have to say A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle or The Lion,Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis were both very influential books when I was in grade school.

We were lucky to have ‘book days‘ where they actually sold books in the library and I would save my lunch money for weeks to buy one.

I’ve always had an active imagination and deep sense of wonder, both of these stories tapped into that and took me far away from home.

It clinched my love affair with books when I realized that I could travel and escape that way and it became part of what I wanted to offer as a writer too. It’s amazing to open a book and disappear, if only for a little while.

Mark

10/15/2020 09:47:06 am

Those are great books from your past! My sisters read Trixie Belden books, I read one without them knowing. It was good. I discovered The Chronicles of Narnia as a young adult and enjoyed the series immensely We read the series to our children and they love it also. Lewis wrote so widely, he even wrote a science fiction trilogy featuring the protagonist patterned after his good friend, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.
Escaping into adventure was a wonderful part of reading. I loved going into outer space!
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Veronica link

10/15/2020 10:17:27 am

For me, writing is more of an energizer. Once I get going in a story, it's like I'm there with the characters--checking each other out, watching for next moves. I have my book tales outlined, but I'm always amazed when the characters come up with a new twist or rework a scene. I've learned to take their advice, LOL--most of the time they know best! The bittersweet moment for me is writing the final chapter of a story--it feels great to have a completed tale, but I miss being with the characters as I am during the writing process. That's why I chose doing a series--I know that we will be meeting again!

I think to bring a story to life, you need to bring out the emotions of the characters. I want to feel the fright or anger that's causing a certain action or deed. Why is a character taking an act of revenge? Love of family brings out some fierce emotions, driving characters to act in certain ways. Let's not forget the romantic influence--I love watching characters' romance bloom, or fizzle.

Robotic characters without emotion can only grab my interest for so long....

Bibiana Krall link

10/15/2020 11:16:19 am

Writing is exhausting and wonderful. When I'm in "the zone" I could go forever. I forget to eat, sleep or do anything except write. I write to answer a question or to reveal a small tidbit of forgotten history or to talk about human nature in a safe space.

I've never used it as a healing measure, as I feel that a morning journal would accomplish that task better, but I mainly write fiction... so it's not about me anyway, but a fictional space where fictional characters do whatever they want do and things tha't dont exist come alive.

If I wrote memoir, non-fiction or self-help, I imagine that my intention would and should change?

As with anything we consume, especially entertainment... which is my number one goal for writing books, there must be depth. Without tapping into feelings and emotions what would we have? Unsalted gravy.

Hard pass. I want to know how a character is feeling, this doesn't have to be a constant inner monologue, it can be choosing a symbolic song or eating a whole tub of ice cream if that certain someone doesn't text. I don't really care how it's delivered, I just desire to experience the drama and to feel more than if this character is a chess piece ice skating on the surface.

Without depth and emotion in a story, I just can't get into it. I want to care about what happens and to me that's what it's all about. My why for reading in the first place is to escape and connect in a story.

Mark

10/15/2020 12:27:08 pm

Most authors report having a satisfied feeling of accomplishment, a few share feeling energized, after a good writing session.
Years ago, I would never have thought an author could become so attached to the characters they write about that they would miss those characters. Now, that makes perfect sense to me. In fact, I think the author that has such an intimate relationship with their book characters will pass that desire to know more to the readers. Then the question for the author becomes how long to write in that series.
I hadn't thought about writing in forms other than fiction, Bibiana. I think you are right, the writing form doesn't make a difference. Any kind of writing can have an effect beyond the words on the page for the author. Dealing with a topic can be instrumental in healing for an author.
We are not computers, though we have a very fine one in our head. We are more than our brain. Our emotions and the ability to communicate make us far more than any computer. We need that connection with others of our kind. Almost every form of communication is designed to foster connection at some level with those we believe to be members of our tribe, every poem, every tweet.
I read a book about a character with a brain defect that prevented her from feeling fear. It was an interesting premise. She was literally fearless and made some extremely unwise decisions and triumphed every time. The story was so flat, I didn't finish it. Quite unusual for me. Yet, it has stuck with me for several years.
New questions.
Has your life turned out differently than expected or planned?
Have you ever done NaNoWriMo?
If you have, what kind of preparation do you do before NaNoWriMo starts? Which, by the way, is almost here.

Veronica link

10/15/2020 12:48:54 pm

Ooh fun question. Most definitely my life changed in a whole new direction once I started writing my book series. I couldn't imagine doing anything else now. I appreciate my technical career in engineering and the sales career--it was a great livelihood for my family and allows me to be a full time writer these days. I've always been a believer in change--I studied and received advanced degrees, went into positions that were at times a bit intimidatingly--but I always was grateful for the opportunity to expand my skill sets and career options.

I'm still learning and trying new things every day as a writer--it's a new business challenge that keeps me busier than ever. Every day is different and challenging--a good thing in my book! :)

I haven't formally participated in NaNoWriMo session, but I am writing now so book 6 will likely be completed during this next session. I'm writing following my outline--which I would have completed before starting a new project. Outline details may vary, but I always think it's a good idea to have some idea of your beginning-middle-ending and the characters--it makes writing a whole lot easier and more productive for me. :)

Bibiana Krall

10/15/2020 02:44:39 pm

Great question. Yes life certainly has. I’ve come to the realization that even with the best planning sometimes these things have their own path and timing. Zero regrets. I’ve had some amazing adventures and spent years in the international travel sector and private aviation. I miss the perks of those jobs, but I love what I’m doing now and it was in my plan. I just had to do a few loop-de-loops to get here.

All of the things I’ve experienced and seen are my personal library I use to write my stories with. It’s pretty cool.

I’ve never done Nano because I’ve been writing non stop for five years. I’m about 10k away from the second draft of a story I’ve been working on in-between the launch of Hearth Fires.

I think it would be cool to participate one day, but this year I think I’m going to finish this one and kick back a little and read books until the new year. It’s been a rough year and I want to spend more time with my family and do more holiday things.

Mark

10/15/2020 03:59:53 pm

I am glad to hear you are both writing. I have heard many writers are struggling to write during this pandemic time. Creativity seems harder for some writers to tap into when daily life is filled with uncertainty.
Pursuing educational goals can be exciting and open new possibilities up for advancement.
I love aviation and remember what my dad said, he was a military and commercial pilot, any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. He still flies privately and is over 80 years old.
A lot of writers use NaNo to jumpstart a book. Writing a 50,000 word first draft in thirty days seems like an overwhelming goal. If you break it down it's less than 2,000 words a day, which doesn't seem quite as difficult. Those people who like to plot a book out, in advance, spend October writing their outline, they do as much planning and research as they can. Then they hit the ground running come November first! Other writers query their friends about which of 6 different ideas should they develop.
Lots of writers join groups on Twitter, Facebook and other social media for mutual support and encouragement while having fun. The best part is, everyone can be a winner!
New questions.
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer?
When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?
What type of material is that most often?

Veronica link

10/16/2020 06:32:51 am

I think it depends on the story. If anything I might lean toward underwriter--I try to stay crisp and clear and not be too verbose. I do rework scenes to make the flow better many times during editing.

Dialogue is where I usually add to a story. I try to live by the 'show don't tell' mantra. The characters to me drive the story forward--they need to give the perspective of what's going on, what the concerns are, figuring out clues. Dialogue is a great way to expose a character's personality--you want to expose them in conversations so that readers know this guy's a good one, or uh oh--she's trouble!

Sometimes a character doesn't need to say anything---you can use the setting to convey the message/set the scene. I think my readers know by now that if a log shifts in the fireplace and sparks start flying--Auntie Pippa is not amused!

Bibiana Krall link

10/16/2020 07:15:22 am

Great questions! I used to be an over writer, especially of metaphor. I love metaphors, especially funny or ironic ones, but too much is too much and I have learned from that. When I first began I would come back to the draft and cut thousands of words or anything that didn't serve the plot and take us to the conclusion.

Now I draft slower and end up with much less on the page. It's peculiar that the longer and more I write, the harder it gets for me.

I try to let it rip on the first draft because I truly feel that the imagination should not have limits, but as a writer you will pay for that wildness in the editing process. It's a balance.

I tend to do many kinds of edits, the last one is my favorite and that is to check the "am I feeling it?' boxes off. I hope to create a full sensory experience for my readers and to "allow" then to leave this reality behind.

One thing that has become clear and especially this year is that we are in a new era and travel or cultural experiences in a foreign land may be out of reach for the next few years or longer?

If you long to travel the world and walk in a new city or a haunted place, I will give that to you in the most immersive way possible. Hearth Fires certainly has that aspect and the next book will have this as well.

It sounds a little goofy, but you will even know what the setting smells like and to me that has always been the most powerful of the senses.

Every time I smell apple pie I think of my grandmother and every time I smell a certain type of pine sap mixed with salt and cypress I think of a magical place on the coast of Washington state where the wilderness meets the edge of the sea.

Mark

10/16/2020 09:52:40 am

Under for Veronica. Your prose is concise in the final draft. Your scenes, action and dialogue all move the story forward.
Over for Bibiana. Many authorities suggest writing as unrestrained as possible, doing no editing, getting the story out of your head. Because you can't edit if it isn't on the screen or on paper. There is a price to pay, as you describe quite well.
I forget who said this, easy reading is darn hard writing. It is certainly true, as I have learned.
The senses of taste and smell are so powerful. It's amazing the memories that can be unexpectedly recalled with only a small whiff of a particular scent.
Many authors struggle with describing those sensory experiences. They mention how individual those experiences can be, with some people loving a particular scent and some hating it.
I am very pleased that both of you are willing to tackle the gustatory and olfactory senses and use them to good effect in your writing. I have waited for years to use both of those words in a sentence. ;-)
New questions.
Do you save the deleted parts that didn't make it into the final version?
Do you prefer dialogue tags or action beats in your books?

Veronica link

10/16/2020 11:16:09 am

I do save certain parts of deleted content if I feel it will be useful later on in the story or even the next book. I use excel to track characters and event content in my stories to keep track of what goes on in each book---and since I primarily write cozy mystery--who survives and who doesn't (#UhOh). For those who do live on to the next book, deleted content can be useful to bridge certain characters from previous storylines to present.

OK--you got me, Mark had to do some a little digging, LOL....

I use both dialog tags and action beats in my stories. I try to show actions of characters so that readers can follow along--it reads better than a slew of he said/she said and I think is of more interest--you can better visualize the characters and situations. Gemma slathered quite a bit of spicy jam on corn muffins in the last book. :) #Yummo!

But...there are times to use the dialogue tags. I try to use variations to bring in emotions or drama. "No!" she screamed is more effective in a tense situation than "No," she said, as an example.

I know there are some writing purists who say you should just use 'said'. I like to change things up to make the dialogue more descriptive...uttered, whispered, yelled...to me these give you more sense of the mood. :)

Bibiana Krall

10/16/2020 01:14:06 pm

"Easy reading..." I thought Hawthorne first said it, but it looks like the Irish Poet and Playwright, Richard Brinsley Sheridan wrote it first in 1772.

Sometimes I save the deleted parts. I have a file I call "Frankenfile." It has strange sentences, doors to nowhere like at the Winchester Mystery Mansion or parts of novels I haven't used, etc.

Once I have used something or if I decide to take the theme and revise then I delete forever as it's already in a new WIP. So I don't ever use it again. It's my parts store in the sky.

I prefer action. To be honest the expression 'exited' that seems to be the new thing all of a sudden makes me a little looney too. I leave or I scoot, but I have never ejected or exited anything.

He said or she said is not needed if that character just did something or said something and we knew who it was one sentence or para before. I think it's pretty obvious that way.

When you use the dialogue tag too much, it gets a bit tiring and slows down the story.

I can follow stream of consciousness in a story, so I might not be the best person to ask, but I have found that if you keep things active 'he said" is irrelevant as we already know and can get to the good stuff faster which is the conclusion or The End.

Mark

10/16/2020 01:36:04 pm

Thanks, Bibiana, for finding that quote is over 200 years old. Some things never change.
I love your frankenfile. It sounds like a good idea to preserve interesting and inspiring bits of prose. I also think it's a darn good idea to delete something from that file when you use it.
Exited and ejected are interesting terms to use in the right context. Like so many other fads their usage will decline quickly. Every author has favorite words.
I am not surprised, Veronica, that a retired engineer uses a spreadsheet to track characters and events in a series of books. That makes so much sense to me.
There are a number of writing aids available to authors. One that keeps popping up is Scrivner. It sounds like a spreadsheet designed for authors as it is supposed to let an author create and track each chapter and everything that goes into it, including research, characters, events and what all. I have heard it has a steep learning curve, but those that use it swear by it.
We are in agreement, eliminating as many saids as possible improves the writing and maintains the flow of the story. I do prefer action beats, they can contribute a lot to a story.
New questions.
What do you do to flesh out the characters for your stories? How do you give them depth?
Do you base your characters on people you know or have met, or is it easier to just invent them completely?

Veronica link

10/16/2020 03:18:09 pm

Great questions, Mark! In my series, I have a core group of characters who manage to survive and go onto the next story...:) I did make some shifts in the characters in book 4--there are new relationships and roles/responsibilities. It was a hard book to write because for one character--I didn't know how it would turn out. After four books, you get emotionally invested in key characters in the series--it's tough to make decisions that might end their presence. In book five, a brought in a lovely new character with a delightful Scottish brogue and witty personality--details that made her a big hit with readers.

I try to bring out the personalities of the characters so that readers 'get to know' them a bit. You want that bonding to occur. I think you need to bring out the worries, the laughs, the terror, the love--it makes the characters and their situations more credible. Descriptives are key too--not just their looks--but what are their passions, their hobbies, drinks and foods they like, fashion choices...the more detail you can give the reader the stronger the bond I think. These are details I'm always interested to know--I hope my likes transfer over!

I have bits and pieces of looks and personalities I insert into new characters. That's one advantage I do have being older and in positions where I met many, many people--I've pretty much seen it all! (Except for 2020, this year has surprised me to no end, LOL!) I especially like to remember how certain people acted and reacted during different situations/settings. Facial expressions, emotions and actions are powerful attributes for a character--and often foreshadow whether they'll be good, or travel to the dark side...

Bibiana Krall

10/16/2020 05:06:40 pm

I always decide before I write a character if they will be a good witch or a bad witch, loosely translated as being seen by others as empathetic or tyrannical or closer to real life, a little fire and sugar water combined.

I like to interview them in my mind as a potential roommate, scary neighbor or possible love interest. I ask them bizarre questions. What do they eat, what song would be their forever song, what was your most embarrassing moment? Then their desires and secrets begin to emerge for me.

I've written many characters that change sides as growth and complexity is not always a positive... depending on external perspectives of the other characters in the story.

To me it's more about the element of surprise that creates the complexity. Each quirk or fashion choice has a meaning, even the character's name often has a meaning that ties into a flaw or might tell the reader something about the role they will play in the story.

I tend to shy away from writing of real-life people that are in my circle. I do use them for inspiration sometimes, especially from people watching at the airport. I travel through Atlanta often,,, well I used to.

The international terminal is the best for finding interesting side-characters with extreme fashion or some quirk that can be really fun to add or use in a fictional blend. I tend to morph or change this to the point that it really is made up at that point. It's fun to use just enough truth to make the character seem real. It's a fun challenge.

Mark

10/16/2020 05:31:13 pm

That is a great list, Veronica. Putting the characters into situations, ordinary and extraordinary, that permit them to make choices and thereby reveal bits and pieces of themselves works really well. Just like real life, people will tell us one thing, but their actions can confirm or deny their words in many different ways. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted for who they are, they have a target audience in mind.
I love the idea of interviewing the characters, Bibiana. Whether you are carpooling or looking for a love interest, questions are a great way to get to know someone. What they don't say can be almost as important as what they do say.
Every choice a character or person makes propels them down a certain path. Sometimes there is no going back.
New questions.
Have you ever used yourself as a character for a starting point in a story? Would a friend or family member recognize you in the story?
Which is more important to a story pace or flow? How do you control it?

Bibiana Krall

10/16/2020 07:59:10 pm

I have used myself as a character, but it was a triple-dog-dare from a friend. I never changed it back because life is short and most of this short story (ALICE) is true even though I wrote it as fiction.

It was one of the scariest nights of my life when I was in undergrad and working as the night manager of a homeless shelter for women in children. Not kidding to say that you expect certain things in a job like that.... dramatic. or physical moments even, but nothing could have prepared me for the way this night went down. I told my sister about it the next day and she thought I was kidding. When I actually got upset, she realized that it was real.

Pace is so important. Have you done any Zoom calls lately where the WIFI goes out? It feels similar to the old Star Trek episodes where Captain Kirk is dreaming of some gorgeous alien with a ton of eye makeup on, but it gets a little weird after a while and you wonder ....when will this be over? Keep it moving.

Flow to me is like Pieces of Eight: Action, dialogue, visual details, emotions, takeaway, motivation, reaction. I could go on and on. Without the proper flow or pieces of many aspects of good writing, in just the right combination is integral in how a reader feels and engages.

I love Shakespearean soliloquy, but it doesn't work in modern text and you have to keep it going. That's the crazy milk I want to drink forever. That is what I long for in any story, regardless of genre.

Veronica link

10/17/2020 04:39:07 am

Funny you should ask, Mark....In book 6, Bibiana and I are meeting Gemma, Kyle and the royals, LOL. I can't give too much away--but I will say I was star struck, LOL!

I have used elements of experiences I've encountered in my stories--close friends or family might recognize certain situations or characters. Gemma's world at Cherrywood Hall is much different from my life, most of her situations will only be in my dreams. :)

I think pace and flow are equally important. You want to keep the story moving with events and character actions throughout the tale, otherwise you're going to lose the reader's interest. I want my readers to say 'ah-hah' at certain sections of the story, piecing together the clues so that they make sense. You can't wait to the very end to disclose every detail--you need those twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.

Mark

10/17/2020 09:48:04 am

Pace and flow are equally important. Today's reader is pretty savvy, knowing that there are a lot of books to choose from. If a book is boring beyond a reasonable point they will close it and grab the next one. Myself, I like to finish a book. Seldom does that not happen, I almost always finish a story.
"Alice" sounds like an interesting read. One of those truth is stranger than fiction stories.
Book 6 is going to be interesting! I can hardly wait to see it. Any idea when it will be coming my way?
New questions.
Which is more fun to write, the protagonist or the antagonist, and why?
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?

Veronica link

10/17/2020 10:55:32 am

I think both are interesting to write. With a series, my MC and lead characters are evolving from book to book, with new life roles, relationships and responsibilities. I want the readers to maintain interest and be curious as to what they're up to now (and buy the next book! :) )

Most often in a cozy mystery you won't know who the antagonist is necessarily until you get toward the end of the story. The most obvious culprit is not always the guilty party. Red herrings are quite useful to deflect or project guilt or innocence. Pacing the story is a must--you don't want readers to solve the crime after the first two paragraphs, lol!

When I start a book--my goal is to write a chapter a day (based upon the outline and research). I try to stay focused until I finish---some days go better than others. I've found having a rigid schedule and sticking to it works best for me. With most of the year being spent in lockdown, it's been a pretty productive year so far. I'm more than ready to hit the road for more inspiration for the next book though--not be able to travel is a killer for me!

Mark

10/17/2020 07:22:21 pm

That is one of the things I have enjoyed about your series. The way the characters are growing and changing, it seems very organic, very natural.
I don't think I have guessed correctly yet, on the identity of the evildoer. It certainly is fun to guess. I am not doing very well at channeling my inner Sherlock.
Daily writing is a good habit, and like any good habit it must be constantly reinforced. Writing everyday is important and has paid off for you.
New questions.
Did your writing process change much from your early writing to your current book or did it stay the same?
Now that this anthology is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?

Veronica link

10/18/2020 03:39:54 am

My writing process has pretty much remained the same. One big difference from when I began is my familiarity and understanding of the characters now. After five books, they have become very good 'friends' and I'm excited to see what happens next just like my readers, LOL. I think being more comfortable with the characters and their surroundings allows me to be more descriptive and anticipate how they might react to certain situations.

Bibiana and I have discussed The Haunted Book 2...we're still deciding on the title. We have chosen our muse for the story--it won't be a Ouija board next time, but....

We're still going to keep it more paranormal suspense/folklore-ish---no blood and gore. The tone of the stories may change a bit---exploring more of a Poe inspired dark side? I've stocked up on sage candles and smudge sticks , LOL--I'm ready!

Bibiana Krall

10/18/2020 09:28:14 am

My writing process has definitely changed. I have tried lots of things and have found that the best thing for me is to wake up, make coffee and exercise without talking to anyone or going on social media and then to go straight to writing from my offline time.

If the day is meant to be a writing one, it flows. If the words come in spurts or I am just not feeling it, I stop and do what I call "writerly chores." These can be something as simple as cleaning any extra files off of my desktop, finding that craft book in my book shelf or taking a peek at what literary magazines are looking for submissions. Then I goal set the next day as a double down day, where I require myself to knock out the word count goal I didn't do today + the new daily goal. That style doesn't work for everyone, but I know myself pretty well and if I make myself responsible this way, I always show up.

Concerning HEARTH FIRES and changing anything I would say this. I can always see room for improvement in anything I do. Staying humble to the process is integral to the art of it.

Would I change anything now that it's out in the world? No, I wouldn't.

This is also an important lesson I have learned from having twenty-three titles out in the universe. There is no such thing as a perfect book or perfect writing. I compare books to wild hawks. Let them go. Let them fly. They may never return, they may not even recognize you when they fly overhead, but there is an incredible beauty in knowing when to let go and move forward.

It is the only way for any writer to allow themselves to fall in love with a new story and P.S. Hearth Fires is amazing for so many reasons. It taps into the secret self and the mystical. It continued to surprise me when I read it for the twentieth time doing the editing process.

Every fear, every question rolling through my mind over the past year took a new shape and I cannot say how proud I am of making something that will stand the test of time, as we were all being tested.

Anyone who has walked through the fire will relate to these stories. Thank you to every person who has. It means a lot to myself and Veronica both. I love spooky stories, and I like to talk about the things that hold us all back. I also like to imagine and take adventures. It's all there in a gorgeous package. Many thanks to everyone reading and to both of you. This has been a wonderful experience! xox B

Mark

10/18/2020 09:39:34 am

The Haunted is the title for next years book. That will certainly fit the bill. Sticking with H, the eighth letter of the alphabet. There are so many ways to develop story titles. I am a big fan of alliteration.
I am wondering if a sage-scented bookmark would be a good thing to have for the next volume.
Your writing process has changed, Bibiana. That mirrors your life. We all make small adjustments as often as necessary. Sometimes the adjustments are forced upon us by the actions and choices of others. We always get to choose how we will respond. That is the only thing we really have control over.
That is very important, there is no perfect book. There is no book that is universally loved, also. Every book has an audience, every book has a non-audience also, those for which the subject matter is not appealing. God bless those few who do actually read a book that doesn't interest them. They may not give a glowing review, but they do validate the book. I tell authors that a low-scoring review is not a bad thing. A one- or two-star review is good because it proves that the other reviews aren't your mother and her cats leaving those glowing comments.
New questions.
How do you think your book relates to the world we live in today?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?
What else are you writing these days? Are you writing anything for yourself or only for readers?

Bibiana Krall

10/18/2020 10:11:31 am

Hearth Fires relates to so many things going on in the world, loss, change, THE FUTURE.

I miss travel so much and in this story the characters are traveling or living somewhere most of us have not seen and wish we could. Along those lines though what really resonates in this collection is moving through fear, change and what it means to us as individuals. What and who are we when or if we get to the other side?

There is a lot of mystery and intrigue. As horrible as this year has been for so many people the idea that we can face our fears and take control of our reaction is a strong message and one that I needed too, as I am also passing through the eye of the needle with everyone else.

I am editing a personal memoir for a client and I am also wrapping up my fourth novella in The Irish Phantom Series, Mont Pelier. The series began as a gothic ghost story (Corvus Hall, Loftus Hall, The rage of Danu) and it has evolved to include folklore, Celtic myth and Irish history. It's a wild ride and I am enjoying it, especially when the goddess Danu shows up. She's scary and nobody knows what she might do next.

Veronica link

10/18/2020 12:23:15 pm

Interesting question, Mark! I think the stories in Hearth Fires demonstrate that there are all kinds of 'monsters' in the world--and most are not the graphic vampire or ax murderer type. People can develop fears (rational and irrational) over many things--aging, living in an abusive environment, living in the past...The horror of living in lockdown is real for many---you're not 'allowed' to see friends and family, or travel. The sound of a cough or sneeze sends people into a panic. Let's not even go to the horror of not being able to find much less buy a roll of TP! :)

I hope that readers of Hearth Fires appreciate the subtleties of a story that exposes the unexpected in everyday circumstances and surroundings. The subject matter may not be scary to all, and blood and gore fans may be disappointed. I can still visualize the Ouija board on the floor of the nursery---sheers billowing from an open window; walking on the chilling grounds of a former plantation, or tasting spices passed down from the generations...seeds of these stories have been planted in my memories--and I hope for readers too.

My main writing these days is for book 6 in my series. I'm back with Gemma and friends as we go from a holiday in Bermuda to house hunting for a city home in London. Figgy and the twins are keeping Gemma and Kyle on their toes and the theatrical debut of Mama aka Jillian aka Glammie should be entertaining (and likely a bit deadly, #JustSayin).

I still have my blog post out every Wednesday morning (featuring a new read and book review) for a bit of fun and prepping for the #BOOKEM videos takes some time too. I'm very fortunate to participate in a variety of endeavors--keeps me sane in quarantine! :)

Mark

10/18/2020 12:37:05 pm

Fear is a huge motivator, it demands a response. Do we face it or do we run from it? We each must choose our response. There is no such thing as not responding.
Coughs, sneezes, high temps, these are all things we have been told to fear and avoid. Yes, a shortage of TP is really scary also!
I am glad you are writing, many writers have mentioned that it has been more difficult this year to connect with their muse.
New questions.
Do you have a classical author or poet, you admire?
What popular modern authors have influenced you?

Veronica link

10/18/2020 01:28:29 pm

I would say Agatha Christie is the most classic author who has influenced me--with a dash of Edgar Allan Poe. It's not just the stories or prose, but the 'feel' I get when reading--it's like you're transported to the pages, living the verse with the characters.

With my latest book, I've been reading the plays Dame Agatha wrote--she was quite prolific. It's a whole new media for the stories to play out. I was very fortunate to see 2 of her plays when we visited London--The Mousetrap and Witness for the Prosecution. In my new story, Gemma's mama is starring in a new play in London's West End. I'm bringing in elements from the play into the story. It's quite a 'play' I'm proud of--with a Hearth Fires twist--Vintage Vibrations is going to make a cozy mystery debut, dun-dun-dun!

Modern writers who have influenced me are Rhys Bowen and M.C. Beaton. I love the royal elements of the Her Royal Spyness mysteries. The sometimes slapstick happenings in the midst of mystery in the Agatha Raisin tales enchant me. I just recently read author T.P. Fielden's Stealing the Crown. It's a story set in WWII with the residents and employees of Buckingham Palace knee deep in a murder mystery. I loved how he mixed facts and fictions in the historical cozy--very well done!

Bibiana Krall

10/18/2020 03:15:18 pm

I am a classical reader from way back, I had an incredible librarian who introduced me to the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, The Six Strings Has been one of my favorites ever since and Emily Brontë still haunts me with Wuthering Heights and Poe and I have spent a lot of time together, as writing The Raven over and over again was my punishment in seventh grade when I broke the rules. I wrote it hundreds maybe thousands of times and ended up loving Poe in all his dark deliciousness in the process.

Contemporary and living in my time, well-known writers that I enjoy: Peter Høeg, Terese Svoboda, Isabel Allende, Donna Tarte, Ruth Ware, and Neil Gaiman. I read widely across genres, as you can see by this list. There are so many and a ton of Indie authors as well.

There are so many things I look for in a story. I want mystery, suspense, a sensory experience and someone who talks about what human brings say to themselves when no one is around or when they stop caring what other people think of them. So I guess I would call that a written version of someone’s truth most of us call great fiction. It’s certainly something I strive for in my own stories and of course entertaining and surprising the reader is key and hearing from them that I’ve achieved that is the best compliment I could ever ask for.

Mark

10/18/2020 04:29:36 pm

Well, Veronica, you were very lucky to see The Mousetrap. It closed down from a very long run due to the Covid virus pandemic.
We were very fortunate because we were in Disneyland a week before it closed for the same reason.
Between the two of you a lot of literary ground has been covered. Such a wide variety of reading.
I was such a stick-in-the-mud guy, I was reading only science fiction and fantasy for most of my life. Now that I have branched out, I have discovered great writing in so many different genres.
You make an interesting point, Bibiana, about perspective and truth. There are two kinds of truth at the end, subjective and objective. The former is colored by the life experiences and beliefs of a person. The latter is supposed to be true regardless of who is observing. It is external truth. We have learned that even multiple eyewitnesses to a crime may have stories that diverge at one or more points. Truth must be carefully measured and weighed.
Entertain and surprise the readers are good goals in writing. Those are some to the things that cause readers to become fans and buy more books.
New questions.
Are there any authors that influenced the writing of this book?
If you could meet your favorite author, what would you ask them?

Veronica link

10/18/2020 06:01:44 pm

I think there are traces of Shirley Jackson, Henry James, Poe--psychological/paranormal suspense is at play in several of the stories. I transferred directorial nuances from Rod Serling and Alfred Hitchcock into my stories--I could envision them as an episode on Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

If I could meet Dame Agatha Christie, I have one burning question--who did Lucy Eyelesbarrow choose (4:50 to Paddington)? I will find out one day!

Mark

10/18/2020 08:54:42 pm

I was a big fan of both of those shows. I didn't understand the concept of directing at the time. I was only a teenager. Now, however, I see the genius of those directors. What they did is what so many writers do, create an outline about a concept and fill in the details, or in reality, look at what the writers have come up with and give the best ideas a push into more drafts and polishing.
Who do you think Lucy chose? Keep in mind that I have not read the story.

Bibiana Krall

10/19/2020 06:15:41 am

Looking back at writing HEARTH FIRES I definitely see some Henry James and a sprinkle of the ghost stories of Edith Wharton with the psychological and suspense elements of Shirley Jackson.

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I think that everything we experience feeds into everything else, especially when its writing or filmmaking. I am a forever fan of Hitchcock and the spooky shows that used to populate TV when I was growing up and seem to be coming back again.Yahoo!

If I could meet my favorite author I would ask them a million questions but perhaps the immediate one is, how did you know? How did you know that you were a writer and how did you pursue it when you did? I love hearing about someone's journey and to know the person behind the creation is the coolest.

Veronica link

10/19/2020 06:29:11 am

Ooh, I don't know, Mark! She could go with the widowed brother-in-law with the charming son or the dashing artist brother---or the policeman....Miss Marple thinks she knows...

Bibiana Krall

10/19/2020 07:31:53 am

Miss Marple always knows.... she's an ace! I am reading an Agatha Christie right now I had never heard of before "Sparkling Cyanide." I guess though... since she wrote over 4k books, I was bound to miss a few. Lol.

I think all of those choices would be interesting ones, although a dashing artist sounds quite interesting. :)

Mark

10/19/2020 10:09:50 am

Too many choices, Veronica. Can't we boil it down to A/B? Seriously, that is some amazing writing to not give a clear indication of who she went with. What is her tagline, writing readers crazy for decades?
Four thousand books! I thought Asimov was prolific at almost 500 books. Not so, he was a slow starter and barely warmed up.
New questions.
How much will a reader get to know you by reading your books?
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?

Veronica link

10/19/2020 12:27:45 pm

I think readers who know me will see certain elements of my personality shine through my writing. They'll probably understand that I do like sparkly things, boots, fine food and of course, cocktails, LOL! I also like to work through things and have some fun even in the darkest of moments---although I must admit if I stumbled on the number of, ahem, bodies Gemma and crew have IRL I might not be so giggly!

I use MS Word to write my books (supplemented with excel). It works well for me and has some editing features that are quite useful.

For publishing, I have used Createspace, Kindle and Compass Bespoke Creative Services to publish on KDP. I have paid for these services and found that to work best for me, I have switched to Compass (Bibiana's company) because of the excellent, one on one, personalized service--that makes all the difference in the world to me! I might add that before Bibiana starts her task--I work with Theresa Snyder and Mark Schultz for content/line editing and proofing to get the manuscript fit to be published!

It takes a village to publish--as I mentioned earlier, my step-daughter, Danielle Gregorio does the book cover designs for me. I have also had Morgan Wright and Ellie Douglas design promo/marketing content for me for the all important task of getting those sales! Lastly, a big shoutout goes to the beta readers--they rock in my world!

Bibiana Krall

10/19/2020 01:39:59 pm

I think the best way to know any writer is through their work. In mine you will meet heroines and antagonists and sometimes the heroine is feisty, adventurous and fearless, and sometimes she’s exploring and trying to figure things out. I tend to add magical realism or use speculative fiction to look onwards towards the future.

I’m there, but not the whole of me, as a character may be quite different than who I am. The lessons are certainly there and the hope that my personal experiences can offer some wisdom or a glimpse into life’s mysteries. I have always asked questions that landed me in hot water. I like to turn up the heat and see what happens. In a fictional world it’s interesting to do, as there can always be another chance or another story. In real life we don’t always get that. Imagination is key in everything I do.

I use word, as it’s the publishing standard. It’s got everything I need and I know how it functions. I have used lots of other kinds of software, but I always go back to basics when a manuscript needs more help, such as editing or formatting.

Thank you so much for the shout out Veronica. It means a lot that you’re happy and satisfied. Writers have a ton of options, and when it comes down to it we all need to do what works for us and our projects. It’s too important not to. I hope that other writers doing it on their own will continue to seek out more professional services and software that will elevate what indies are delivering.

I know the storytelling is there, as I read a lot of indie books, but having an editor, book cover designer and creating a beautiful, finished book is rarely a one person show. I’ve been lucky to meet many people who have taught me this lesson and continue to teach me and help me grow as a writer and a human being. I cannot say how much it means to have Beta and ARC readers, honest writers I can call to read aloud with and people out there who truly support. It’s a dream come true and one I’ve worked diligently for. I’m grateful.

Mark Schultz

10/19/2020 02:14:56 pm

Microsoft Word seems to be what almost everyone uses. IN the late 70s and early 80s there was a new writing package available every month, it seemed. None of them were easy. I recall one name, Wordstar, that had a lot of users at one point. Since there was not a pretty screen, AKA graphical user interface, to look at like there is now, you had to know special codes and symbols to do any formatting on your document. Life is much easier now.
Now, authors are free to tell the story as they see best.
New questions.
Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing at home, or do you need quiet?
Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?

Veronica link

10/19/2020 03:44:49 pm

I usually have the television on when I write, I don't know why except that for most of my working career I worked in an office or was around people for the most part--I guess I still need the chatter, LOL. For many of my books, Hallmark Christmas movies and the Great British Baking Show seemed to be the fav background contenders. :)

For me, dialogue is the easiest. I have to watch to make sure I insert action sequences in with the dialogue to make it dynamic, otherwise it gets a bit dull. If I go too many paragraphs telling the story, that gets reworked as well to bring in more of the tale through dialogue. It's a tricky combination--but that is why I adore my editors!

Mark Schultz

10/19/2020 06:48:14 pm

That makes perfect sense to me, Veronica. Background chatter was an important part of your professional life for years. There are websites that have audio tracks of background chatter, different types of chatter also, such as a coffee shop, on office and others.
Our youngest daughter is a social media influencer on YouTube and Instagram. She has made dozens of videos for her channel, mostly about food and cooking. Her daughters, our granddaughters assist at times. I used to listen to those in the background all day long. I quit when my wife injured herself, I wanted to be able to hear her call for me.
Your use of action beats is pretty effective. You have leveraged dialogue quite well to keep the story moving. It is a tricky balance to achieve.
New questions.
Have you ever participated in theater in some way, acted, behind the scenes or written a play?
Did anything in the stories you wrote for this book come as a surprise while you were writing?

Veronica link

10/19/2020 07:14:43 pm

I've only participated in theater as a patron--I love a live performance, there's nothing like it. I have fond memories of attending performances while in college with my grandmother. We used to love our night out! I miss having live performances to go to with lockdown. Hopefully we'll be able to attend once again in 2021.

As I mentioned before, I've been re-reading many of Agatha Christie's plays as 'inspiration research' for my latest novel. It's a different sort of read, but very enjoyable. Never say never--who knows, I might try writing a play myself!

In writing Hearth Fires, I truly felt the spirits wanted their tales told. Some of the storylines and endings were pure inspiration from my ghostly muse, lol. This was a writing experience I won't forget--and I can't wait to get book 2 started!

Mark, thank you so much for this lovely web chat with me and Bibiana discussing Hearth Fires and our journeys as writers. As usual, you kept it fun and revealing and filled with great discussion content. I truly appreciate all that you do for the writing and reading communities---you're a true friend indeed! Thanks to everyone who tuned in--it's been awesome! Cheers, V :)

Bibiana Krall

10/19/2020 08:14:46 pm

No TV for me. It's way too distracting. I love to use music though. If I write a scary or dark piece, I may listen to this relatively new style of music called "Medieval Metal" and sometimes I listen to Punk or something alternative. If I am writing of a specific world culture, then I try to tune into a music station that would play music a character is listening to as they cook dinner or drive to work and might sing along to. It helps me get inside a character's head that way.

Dialogue is the easiest for me to write. I've been traveling this weekend and brushing up on my restaurant eavesdropping skills. I am fascinated by what people say sometimes, so the dialogue is a natural for me because people often omit things and it's obvious what they mean when they do. :-)

I have written some short plays, and one of them has turned into the opening for a novel I am writing right now. I was deeply involved in That Arts when I was younger. My first role was in a community production of The Pirates of Penzance. I have no clue how I got in, since I don't consider myself a good singer. I love live theatre, ballet and opera, but I am unsure how any of this will evolve considering what's going on out there now.

Hearth Fires totally surprised me and I love that!

I didn't know we were going to do this at all. Then it just arrived and I was having strange dreams and Veronica had strange happenings at her house. It felt like we were chosen by the spirits to tell these stories. I can't wait to work the next book and cannot ever express fully how much fun this was. Many thanks to you Mark and to my fabulous co-writer Veronica for keeping the dialogue going and for everything you both do to inspire all of us.

Super special thanks to everyone reading and participating. It's been amazing. Happy almost Halloween! xox Bibiana

Mark Schultz

10/19/2020 08:38:24 pm

What a special memory you made with your grandmother, Veronica. She must have been a fabulous grandmother and loved you so much.
I have four granddaughters now and they keep me on my toes.
Dame Agatha's writing career was over 55 years long. That is amazing! Did her writing change much over the years? I wonder.
I have never heard of Medieval Metal music. That sounds strange and interesting at the same time. I will have to check that out, Bibiana. I built a knight's helm when I was a sheet metal apprentice. I use it in one of my tweets frequently.
I think your use of music as tool to gain insight is very interesting. Some authors create a playlist for their characters and include it in the back of their book. I have seen song titles and lyrics used as chapter titles also.
When I moved to San Francisco, after graduating from high school, I lived with my bio-dad ad his wife for a time. They took me to a couple of operas. I was so bored. Then they took me to light opera, I could understand the words and was greatly entertained. I bought season tickets for a couple of years.
I am intrigued by the spooky happenings you mention.
Last questions.
What were they spooky happenings that led you both to write the stories you did? Do you think you will have any trouble writing another volume of stories like Hearth Fires?

Veronica link

10/19/2020 09:01:08 pm

For me, I had a couple of 'bizarre' events happen while writing Hearth Fires. One morning as I was sitting in the family room writing--I started getting splashed with water from above. I looked up and water was pouring out from a pendant light---no pipes above. Leaking water from an upstairs bathroom traversed across a floor beam about 10 feet and made its way to the pendant light box, dripping right down on me as I typed...what are the odds?

Second occurrence happened once again as I was writing downstairs. I heard a boom of loud music coming from upstairs. I searched and searched and couldn't find the likely source of a TV or radio. I finally determined it was coming from my writing office but still couldn't figure out from where. Hubby ran up the stairs and we figured out it was coming from an electric fireplace in the room. Bruce unplugged it to stop the noise. He finally figured out the fireplace unit had a bluetooth device installed. A neighbor must have turned on a wifi system with music that ended up booming in our house. Never, ever happened before--the electric fireplace got #HearthFired! Coincidence? I think not...

As for book 2--the spirits have already let their wishes be known. I was woken up from a deep slumber in the middle of the night with a clear message for the 3 stories I will be writing...plot and titles for each....It was so vivid i woke up and sent myself an email with every detail--time stamped 2:04am on Aug 17th...true story, boo!

Bibiana Krall

10/19/2020 09:13:56 pm

I love music and I have done that too, but my playlists end up on my YouTube channel next to my book trailers.

There are many versions of Metal now, Folk, Castle and others. They seem to be versions of what I would call "battle songs" that would have been an important part of the movement of an army hundreds of years ago. Perfect for envisioning powerful and dramatic scenes. It's an interesting way that some people are looking to their cultural roots and it's even more interesting, as it's the past and the present in a haunting blend. In a lot of ways it's also telling a story and perhaps reminding us of where we came from.

Opera is an acquired taste. I've never much enjoyed the German operas, but when I heard a score from Puccini, I fell in love with it. I tear up every time I hear the aria Nessun Dorma from Turandot. The feels!

Mine started with a message in a window in the middle of the night. It looked like someone had written in the moisture with a finger. No one was around... so it was creepy and then poof, it was gone. Maybe I dreamed it? It happened again a few nights later though so...

I am not worried about being able to write another volume. The stories always come when the spirits are ready. It's been like this ever since I began writing. I imagine they are listening and sooner than later I will dream of the next one or have a spooky experience. That's often how they find me and then I know I am going the right way.

Hearth Fires has all that in it and more. The eerie feelings of those nights you took and turn or the blip of something in the dark that you see out of the corner of your eye.

Anyone who likes to get that chill down the spine would love these stories. It's been so much fun to talk and chat about the writing life and out collection. Thanks again to you both! I had no idea how much fun this would be!

Mark Schultz

10/19/2020 09:52:02 pm

Those are great stories, both of you. A Bluetooth device in an electric fireplace, that is so darn strange! What a puzzler! There was certainly some help from an outside source that day.
Book two, Hauntings is going to be a winner, I have no doubt.
I have another promotion starting tomorrow, so I must bring this interview to a close. However, don't be surprised if someone drops in here in a few weeks or months and leaves a comment.
You two ladies have been fabulous guests!
Until next time, keep on writing.

Hearth Fires (The Haunted Book 1) By Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton

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