The Fruitcake Factory By Roberta Glacken

2/8/2020

A fictional representation of life with mental illness

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Roberta Glacken, introduces us to her recent fictional story about mental illness in “The Fruitcake Factory”:
Follow the lives of several mentally ill patients in a psychiatric facility and what life holds for them in the outside world. 100% of all proceeds will go to Mental Health charities. I just want to spread awareness and stop the stigma.

Mental illness knows no boundaries and is not a respecter of persons at any level. Mental illness manifests in so many different ways and intensities, that nearly any person could be diagnosed as mentally ill, even for a short period of time. I have known many people who are or have been mentally ill. Some recover and some don’t.
I think this book does a good job of showcasing the struggles mentally ill people endure, some internal and some external. This book is quite funny at times. Without denigrating anyone, those trying to help frequently have their own struggles that can get in the way of delivering true aid.
I like the upbeat ending, showing success for a couple of people even as they mourn the untimely defeat of another.
The real genius is in the dialogues, the interactions with everyone in and out of the institution. I give “The Fruitcake Factory” 4.5 stars.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Fruitcake-Factory-fictional-representation-illness-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-fruitcake-factory

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/robertaglacken
robertaglacken.com/

Tags: psychology fiction, biographical fiction, mental health

Copyright © 2020 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction.

103 Comments

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 06:07:31 pm

Thank you so much for the wonderful review. As stated, I do not receive any money from this book. All of the profits are donated directly to mental health charities to help spread awareness.

Mark

2/9/2020 06:18:01 pm

I love that you are donating all the profits from the sale of your book. That is very generous of you. This is an important cause to you.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your biography on Amazon.

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 06:26:20 pm

As I stated in my biography, I do have bipolar disorder. Due to that, I often have trouble getting anything written. I'm usually all over the place and have several WIP going at any given time. I also have difficulty sticking with one genre, but after talking with the writing community, I found that all of that is 100% okay. So now instead of stressing about it, I just wake up and say to myself "what mood are we in to write about to day?" and it helps, a lot. Writing is my therapy in that sense. After reding this, I realized that I used the tern "we" and not "I" when referring to myself, so that should give you some glimpse into my mind.

Mark

2/9/2020 06:31:46 pm

Many people seem to be able to live in society reasonably well with Bipolar disorder. There is one blogger that I follow who is quite candid about his struggles. He has good days and bad days.
New questions.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
What kind of work do you do? Feel free to skip that question, if you would rather not answer.
Does your work have any influence on your writing?

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 06:38:39 pm

I am actually a full-time writer, though very little of my time is spent writing. I take online classes for marketing, story structure, etc. I just made a website, which was not as easy for me as it is for most people and that took up a lot of my time. Research is also a nice chunk when writing, though I usually get off track and research things that have nothing to do with my WIP.

Mark

2/9/2020 06:49:44 pm

I can appreciate all of that. Every writer struggles with finding a balance between the creative side of writing and the business side of writing. You are like every other writer in that respect.
I love research and the rabbit holes I can go down. As a boy, I loved to read. When I found a word I didn't know, I would head for our giant dictionary, the thing must have been 10 pounds. I could spend an hour in that massive volume easily.
New questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you? You have written other books in this genre. If you don't mind, take a moment and tell us about those.

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 06:57:23 pm

The Fruitcake Factory is something I had been wanting to write for awhile, but never quite committed to it. One day I sat down at my laptop and the words, feelings, thoughts, everything just came pouring out. It felt so good to get all of that out of me. The Bully series is the same way. Though The Fruitcake Factory is aimed more towards adults and The Bully Series is for young adults, I think that both genres could learn from each other. They pretty much go hand in hand and I encourage both adults and young adults to read both books.

Mark

2/9/2020 07:03:28 pm

Excellent, mental illness comes in so many different forms. Psychiatrists keep trying to refine the definitions, to make their work easier, I think. Some get so caught u in the business side, they lose sight of the humans they are trying to help.
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?
Was it hard to come up with the title? What was the process?

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 07:21:32 pm

I actually designed the cover. It was another thing I had to learn to do, but it was a lot of fun. It basically represents the stigmas surrounding mental illness as well as how some people feel when dealing with one. I know that when I first realized something was "wrong" with me, I felt isolated and like everyone was poking fun at me, even if they weren't. As for the title, that title came about from someone I knew very similar to Jeannie. It always stuck with me and I knew that if I ever wrote the book, that the title and "Jeannie" would be included.

Mark

2/9/2020 07:31:13 pm

Excellent. I like the cover for a variety of reasons. the dark and light fit the theme quite well. Being black and white is another interesting aspect, in my mind. For many people, it seems the drugs take a lot of the color out of life. The character looks very lonely also. You did a nice job on that.
New questions.
Have you entered any writing contests?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?
I noticed that your book is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?
How many books have you put in KU?

Roberta Glacken link

2/9/2020 07:41:50 pm

Thank you. I have never entered writing contests, however there was a website around 10 years ago that were looking for story submissions and they paid $35 if you were approved. The first story I ever submitted was accepted and I was thrilled. $35 wasn't a lot of money, but I was a paid author at that moment and it felt wonderful. All of my books are on KU and I also try to keep the prices down to a minimum. I get a lot more KU reads than purchases so it's working out beautifully. I also use KU for most of my reading.

Mark

2/9/2020 09:08:18 pm

What an exciting experience, to have your first submission accepted! Congratulations!
Good to hear that KU is working for you. Some authors don't have a great experience.
New questions.
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?
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

Roberta Glacken link

2/10/2020 10:57:19 am

I decided to go straight to self-publishing. I really didn't want the headache of traditional publishing. I know that some people prefer it, but I prefer to be in control of my own works from start to finish. I'm sure my books would have probably received more attention from traditional publishers, but I'm not in it for fame and fortune. I just really enjoy the whole process, even the editing...lol

Rhani D'Chae

2/12/2020 12:40:34 am

Hi, Roberta. You like editing? Please feel free to edit my stuff any time you are going through editing withdrawal. Lol

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 05:48:27 am

If only I had the time...lol When I'm on a roll, I can finish my first draft in a few weeks. Editing takes about 2-3 months. I usually have to step away just so I can come back with fresh eyes. Do you have a website with your books or an amazon link?

Mark

2/12/2020 08:58:40 am

Hi, Rhani, thanks for visiting. I appreciate you dropping by.

Mark

2/10/2020 12:24:25 pm

You make a good case for self-publishing. It's pretty true, so many publishers take control of your book and your intellectual property rights. You, as the author, have little or no say over the cover and schedule, unless you negotiated for those rights. Even if you received an advance, that has to be repaid to the publisher before you see any residuals from the sale of your book. In the long run, your IP rights can be more important than selling hundreds of copies of a book.
Have you thought about other formats for your books? Audio books are exploding world wide! there are many countries that use English as an official language of government and commerce, and many other countries teach English as a second language. There are also graphic novels, screenplays, large print to name a few. All of these are a separate IP right.
There has been an explosion of streaming services and they are all desperate for content. Where does content come from? The mind of a writer. You.
New questions.
Is there a book that makes you cry no matter how many times you read it?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?
Did you have a favorite book as a child?

Roberta Glacken link

2/10/2020 01:13:14 pm

The Fruitcake Factory is currently available on audio and in large print. As for graphic novels, I am toying with the idea for another one of my books, The Christmas Carrolls. I'm not entirely sure about writing a screenplay. In the past year alone, I had to teach myself so much as it is and am still learning. Maybe I'll fathom a screenplay next year.
A book that made me cry? To Kill a Mockingbird. (Spoiler Alert) When Scout realizes that it was Boo Radley who saved them, my eyes tear up every time. At least a hundred by now. I really don't have any favorite authors. I mean, I love Stephen King books, but it just depends on what the book is about. I prefer mystery over gore or torture and he can get very dark at times. Kurt Vonnegut is excellent also. I guess it just depends on my mood and what I want to read at the moment. As a child, I was kind of a weirdo. I actually loved to read encyclopedias. I know it sounds strange, but internet wasn't around back then. Microfiche was another "nerd" read for me. Today they have podcast, I had the library microfiche...lol

Mark

2/10/2020 01:26:32 pm

As a child, pre-internet also, I read encyclopedias as well. I love them I could spend hours in an encyclopedia. And I did. I grew up on a small, non-working farm. And there wasn't very much to do.
New questions. Which of your books is your favorite, and why?
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?

Roberta Glacken link

2/10/2020 01:39:06 pm

Wow! Asking me to pick a favorite book is like asking me to pick a favorite child. They are all my babies and unique. Between Bully and The Fruitcake Factory, I would have to say the latter mainly because it's more personal an experience that I went through in my own mental health struggles. I wasn't really bullied too much. My dad had a way of chasing down any guys who tried and I had a sister to handle the girls...lol
Writing for me is a way to get my thoughts and emotions on the same page, pardon the pun. If I'm sad that day, then I write a scene filled with sorrow. If I'm happy, then an upbeat one. It's very therapeutic and has helped me way more than just journaling. In a journal, I just write down how I feel at the moment, but in a story, I can write what a character(s) is going through and help them overcome it. It's a little strange process, but it works wonders for me to overcome my own depression, anxiety, or whatever. I highly recommend it.

Mary L Scholl

2/20/2020 10:02:56 pm

I love Kurt Vonnegut, I so rarely see his name anymore.

Mark

2/20/2020 11:32:26 pm

He has been buried under the Amazon tidal wave like everyone else.

Roberta Glacken link

2/22/2020 12:48:32 am

Jailbird was my favorite, though they were all good :)

Mark

2/10/2020 01:54:35 pm

I know that it is hard to pick a favorite. I struggle with that also.
The family really went to bat for you, that is good to hear. Not everyone is so fortunate.
Journaling has been touted for years as a method of dealing with mental illness. I think your solution is pretty good, it makes a lot of sense.
New questions.
Have you ever done NaNoWriMo?
What kind of preparation do you do before NaNoWriMo starts?
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer? When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to it to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

Roberta Glacken link

2/10/2020 02:03:39 pm

I did CampNaNoWriMo last year and it was okay. I challenged myself, but wasn't in an active camp. I didn't really prepare at all. I came up with an idea and a rough outline, but usually I just sit and write and let the words flow. Some days I made more than my quota and other days I made less. I did hit my goal a week ahead of time though and used my spare time to try to edit a little.
I am a big time under-writer. I always have to go back and add stuff. Of course, I was told by my 11th grade teacher to just write non-stop, even if it's the same word over and over again. She said to keep going until something else pops into your head and edit later, so that is pretty much what I do. I could use her motivating me today that's for sure.

Mark

2/10/2020 02:33:23 pm

It sounds like that teacher is alive and well in your head. You must have enjoyed that class.
Many writers are like you, having to add more material. Some are the opposite.
Some writers approach NaNoWriMo with a lot of preparation, extensive outline, timeline, maps, character studies and so on. Your method works well for you and that's what is important.
New questions.
What kind of material do you add most of the time?
What do you do to flesh out the characters for your stories?
Have you ever used yourself or other acquaintances as a character for a starting point in a story?
Would they recognize you or themselves in the story?

Roberta Glacken link

2/10/2020 02:54:00 pm

Usually when I go back and begin to edit, I lack description. My first drafts are normally a bunch of dialogue and he said/she said. I add world building and character traits. When I write, I know what is going on, but then when I get done, I have to add in so the reader also knows. It sounds obvious but you would be surprised as to how many stories I've read where I've had to try to figure out where they were or what they were doing.
As for acquaintances, I have used them before and 1 in particular did laugh when she read herself in my story. She was the inspiration for Jeannie in The Fruitcake Factory. I told her about it first though so she wouldn't be caught off guard. She was a fun character to write and I will probably use her essence again in the future. She's very edgy, opinionated, a pain in the butt yet lovable.

Mark

2/10/2020 04:37:42 pm

It's so important for the reader to understand what is going on. I have read many books where the action became so muddled that I was lost as a reader. Sometimes I pushed on, hoping it would become clear down the road.
When I am proofreading, I keep tabs on the plot and every once and a while I come across an event or statement that I cannot make sense of. Most of the time I am able to suggest a solution.
Jeannie is such a funny character, sharp witted also. She was not afraid to speak her mind and say what others were afraid to say.
New questions.
Which is more fun to write, the protagonist or the antagonist, and why?
What is one thing you hate about your protagonist and one thing you love about the antagonist?
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 04:50:36 am

I prefer antagonists in the way that they can have more layers than the protagonist. In The Christmas Carrolls, I have a family that try to do good and fight mythological beings to save the holidays. One of them, however is secretly the antagonist and it has not been revealed yet. Not going to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything. Quite frankly, when it comes to superhero movies and such, I love me some Loki and Harley Quinn. The "bad guys" are my favorite. You love to hate them and hate to love them.
I'm also working on a psychological thriller where the protagonist and antagonist are the same person. That's not a spoiler, it's part of the plot..lol
I try to write at night when it's quiet. The traffic dies down, the phone isn't ringing about my car warranty and I can focus. I usually put a fan on for white noise...I like the humming for some reason. I have a pot coffee and read over the last few pages I've written so I can continue the flow. I do not edit. I also have to repeat that to myself because I will start to and not get anything else done. First write the first draft completely, then edit. I keep myself on a schedule by doing that.

Mark

2/11/2020 09:35:19 am

Christmas Carrolls sounds interesting. Your WIP reminds me of Fight Club. The Dissociative Identity aspect was handled pretty well. Edward Norton really brought that concept into mainstream with his earlier movie, Primal Fear. An old family friend was a counselor for DID patients.
Fan white noise is nice, I have used that in the past myself.
I think you are wise to save the editing until the first draft is done. I think too many writers get writer's block by trying to edit as they go along, it quenches the fire of the muse.
I heard what sounds like a good tip, stop writing in the middle of a chapter instead of trying to finish the chapter in a session. It's supposed to be easier to restart the creative juices.
New questions.
Which is more important to a story pace or flow? How do you control it?
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 09:51:45 am

I have quit in the middle of a chapter before mainly due to not knowing what to do next and I didn't want it to feel forced, so I took a step back and cleared my mind.
If it's a suspenseful story, then I prefer pace in order to keep the reader on the edge. With some of my "fairy tale" type stories, I like flow.
As for my earlier works, I used more creativity to my stories whereas now, I'm getting into a more realistic aspect. I was writing about mythology and still am, but it's more on a back burner at the moment. Once The Fruitcake Factory was written, I started feeling more compelled to write about real issues, like mental illness, bullying, abuse, etc.. I find that I relate to the characters a little better in my biographical fiction as opposed to the Easter Bunny. Strange but true...lol I actually feel, or have felt, what they are feeling and it makes a huge difference in how I execute the story.
Anything I would change in The Fruitcake Factory? I don't know. I haven't really thought about it. My next book touches on mental illness also. Some things I would have liked to add into the story, but I didn't want to cram every mental disorder into 1 book. Maybe a sequel eventually to give more emphasis on some of the others. Perhaps Jeannie can get her degree and become a therapist...lol

Mark

2/11/2020 10:35:12 am

Relating to the Easter Bunny would be tough, no doubt about that. Living inside our own skin makes understanding others much easier.
Jeannie wouldn't be the first person to enter that field. I don't know if she would enjoy that, she might feel quite stifled. The field is more art than science, it's always changing. It could make an interesting story.
Remember the death therapy scene in "What About Bob?"
New questions.
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?
Do you have a classical author or poet, you admire?
What popular modern authors have influenced you?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 11:01:23 am

I will answer the last 2 questions first. Being born in Baltimore, MD, I have to say that Edgar Allan Poe was and is my favorite author. He also dealt with mental illness and is a huge inspiration to me. In this day and age, mental illness is still stereotyped as "get over it" or some, believe it or not think it's contagious. I can't even fathom what it must have like in the 1800s. As for modern day authors, I would have to say Robin Cook. I love his style of mixing the thriller genre with science. Mortal Fear, Outbreak, Invasion...all great books.
What I hope people get out of The Fruitcake Factory is to help spread awareness. To start helping those who are diagnosed and not shun them from society. I know that when I was younger, when my depression would hit, I was told to "take a hot bath" or "get over it" or even be accused of just seeking attention. I hope people educate themselves a little more and reach out to their loved ones who are going through something internally. A few months ago, I lost a friend to suicide and people were saying "Why didn't he say something?". Maybe he was and no one listened. Maybe he tried in the past and was brushed off so didn't say anything this time. There are signs, usually. I want people to research and know what to look for. Just because someone doesn't come out and ask for help, doesn't mean they don't need it.

Mark

2/11/2020 11:51:44 am

I read a little bit by Poe in high school. I never considered he might be mentally ill. Those things weren't talked about in a small town in the 60s.
I have several of Michael Crichton's books, none of Cook's books. Are they comparable?
Spreading awareness is a good thing. MI is a difficult issue we all face today. I personally think the pendulum has swung too far towards the lax end of the spectrum. Many of these people are not getting the help they need. I do not think they all need to be locked up forever, also. That is the swing of the pendulum too far also. As a society we need to find the middle ground, providing safe and adequate care.
That is very sad to hear about your friend. Suicide is always painful for those left behind. There is a definite need for education in this area.
New questions.
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?
How do you keep track of all the characters and events in your books?
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or a hybrid?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 12:11:40 pm

Insurance is the big problem with MI. Most insurance companies only pay for 1 or 2 weeks in a psychiatric facility, but medications take longer than that to get into the system. So a majority of the time, the person is sent back out into society and the doctors don't even know how the medications will affect them. It's trial and error but using someone's well-being as an experiment, and they either end up back in a facility, just stop taking their medication or decide to just end their suffering. It's really sad.
I use open office to write. It basically came with my computer and it works fine for me. I have several tabs open: one to write, one for chapter(s) and one for characters. I mostly already know my characters before I start writing, but some of the background characters I need refreshers with. Mainly names, which I am very bad at in real life...lol I use the software Amazon has, which is Kindle Create, to publish.
I'm more of a hybrid. I have a rough outline of the book and know where I want to start and finish, but sometimes the characters want to go a different direction or take a detour somewhere. I know a lot of people hate when writers say that. "You write the characters. They don't have minds of their own." Wrong! All of my characters have a unique personality that takes over when I'm writing, so yes they do have minds of their own. If I ever thought of them as just characters then they wouldn't appear realistic. Just like watching a movie or tv show. You've seen the same actor in several different films, yet you still believe him/her to be that one character. So yeah, mine start where I outlined them to and end where I outlined them to, but the journey is theirs.

Mark

2/11/2020 12:48:41 pm

The insurance thing is probably the sticky part of the problem, as you outlined, so well.
You are not the only author using Open Office. It's a popular alternative to MS Word. You are making good use of it.
Many authors talk about how the characters come alive in the story. This was my next question. I think it's quite fascinating when that happens. Most authors follow it and are usually pleased. Sometimes a minor character takes a commanding role and that is interesting also.
Planning the end of the story is a genius idea, in my mind. It allows a great deal of freedom for planting clues and ideas all leading to the finale. I think knowing your destination makes the journey easier, but not everyone agrees with me.
New questions.
I know there are many ways to build the outline. Do you do it all on the computer or do you get analog at some point with post-its or note cards?
Do you have defined space for writing at home, or are you a coffee-shop writer?
Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 01:06:56 pm

I have a minor character in my WIP that has moved his way up to sidekick, so I know what you're talking about. I started with 2 main characters and then the rest were background, but now this guy is going off on his own doing research and investigations. It's crazy :)
I write at home only. Like I said before, I like a fan going and quiet, so what ever room in the house is unoccupied at the time, I'm there. Mainly the kitchen or bedroom.
I use notebooks for jotting ideas and characters down, but then transfer that to Open Office so I can easily switch to it when needed. When I first start though it's generally in my living room, kicked back on my rocker and writing a rough outline.
Dialogue is sooooo much easier for me. My first draft usually looks like a screenplay. I know what they say, just don't write down where they are or how they're saying it. A rough example would be:
"So, where to now?" asked Jacob.
"Where ever you want," said Lizzie.
"Alright."
Now I know they're in his car and I know that she shrugs when she says it and his tone when saying "Alright", but no one else will until the first re-write....lol
Narration would probably be the second easiest as I have trouble with action scenes. My mind goes too fast for my fingers during those segments whereas narration flows smoother and I can take my time with it.

Mark

2/11/2020 01:19:03 pm

Your story is going to be fun.
Screenplays might come easy for you. I hope so.
I found a lot of humor in your dialogues.
Short choppy sentences are best for intense action. I think many writers get caught up trying to describe every move. It can detract from the story, if the action doesn't move the plot forward.
New questions.
Of the five senses which is the easiest to write and which is the hardest?
Have you ever participated in theater in some way?
What kind of marketing are you doing or planning on doing for your book?

Roberta Glacken link

2/11/2020 10:22:47 pm

The easiest sense for me would be touch. There are so many ways to describe something and it was part of my therapy at one point. I had a therapist tell me that when my anxiety would elevate, to place my hand on the object near me and concentrate on what it feels like. That approach worked! I was distracted by telling myself that the table is smooth and cold with subtle corners, that my anxiety would go down. Tip for anyone reading who has anxiety.
Sight is the hardest. I think it's due to me not having fashion sense..lol Some people have 30 words to describe the color white. I'll read other stories and the author's description of a wall is: cream, milky, opal, pearl and I'm sitting there writing, looking up shades other than white and off-white. Maybe that could be a book. Instead of 50 Shades of Grey I could have 2 Shades of White...lol
The only time I ever participated in theater was a weekend trip to NY where I took a seminar in screenwriting. It was only 2 days, so I really didn't learn much. It was a good class but mainly just listening and reading a script. I'm more of a hands-on, 'have to do it myself in order to comprehend' type person.
I really haven't done much marketing outside of Twitter, my website (which just got up and running a few weeks ago) and Facebook. I have entered it into a contest Amazon was running called 'pen-to-publish'. I didn't win. You asked me about screenwriting before and I've been thinking about it a lot. I might try to write a screenplay for The Fruitcake Factory and see what happens. If you know of any good ways to market, I am all ears :)

Mark

2/12/2020 08:56:25 am

That does sound like a good tip for dealing with anxiety, to get out of your own head and a negative spiral of thoughts.
Two shades of white is pretty funny. That could be humorous, for sure.
Many authors find that marketing is the hardest part of writing a book. It requires removing the creative hat and putting on a business hat. Instead of working with a few people, an author has to work with a lot of people.
I think many authors put forth great effort to get a traditional publishing contract because they hope that the publisher will shoulder the marketing burden. That doesn't happen much anymore, unless you are a well-known author. Publishers of all sizes are struggling to make a profit. Some publishers won't even look at an author unless the author has a mailing list of thousands of fans, guaranteed sales is what the publisher sees.
There are so many ways to market a book, Twitter being only on small part of the equation. Many blogs have been written about this topic, I have a few on my Guest Blogs page and links to quite a few on my Highly Regarded Blogs page.
I am glad you are thinking about screenwriting, you might do well.
New questions.
Speaking of marketing, why did you pick me to help promote your book?
How do you know when a book is finished?
How much time passed from when you got the idea to write your book; then actually starting to write the book?
How long did it take you to write the first draft?

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 09:39:06 am

I've been on Twitter for awhile and have seen numerous tweets about books and authors from you and followed your link to this page. I started reading some of the reviews and blogs and enjoyed them. So, when it came time to promote my book, I thought of you. You do an amazing job and I'll be sure to check out some of the marketing on your blogs.
I know I'm finished when the story is finished with me. There are times when I think I'm done with the book but different scenarios are still going on in my mind. When I can type "The End" and it stops playing or my brain moves on to another story, then I know I'm done.
It took me years of thinking about it and jotting down ideas to actually start writing it but once I began, it took me a few weeks. I do this full-time so it's nothing for me to get into a groove and let it flow through for anywhere between12-36 hours straight. Most of my books are like that. When I try to take a break, it pulls me back until I'm finished or rather it's finished.

Rhani D'Chae

2/12/2020 11:26:41 am

Congratulations on finishing your book, Roberta. It amazes me that it only took a few weeks to write the book. I have been stating with my current WIP for several tears, (no laughing, Mark! 😄) and I still have work to do with it. My protagonist is fussy and just won't cooperate! Lol

Mark

2/12/2020 01:50:55 pm

Thank you, my plan for world domination is working. ;-) But it's going to take a long time at this rate. I am happy.
You were preparing for this book for a long time, that explains why it went so quick when you got started.
I have heard from more than one author that the book lets them know when the story is done. It works and that is what matters.
New questions.
Do you belong to any writing groups?
Are there any writing groups for the genre you write in?
Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 12:04:07 pm

Rhani, the first draft only took a few weeks. Most of it was dialogue and it was already in my head for several years before I got it on paper/computer screen. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th drafts took a little longer...lol Thank you :)

Rhani D'Chae

2/12/2020 12:50:19 pm

Hi, Roberta. That makes sense. I can't begin to say how many drafts I go through before I decide something is done. Lol
Editing is a pain in the butt, and I think it makes all of us a little crazier than we already are. 🤯

Mark

2/12/2020 01:53:49 pm

Hi, Rhani, on some of us crazy looks good. I am sure you will find a way to get your protagonist to cooperate. A little bit of pressure at the right point might make a big difference.

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 02:06:21 pm

There are a few on Twitter, Authors and Writers 3, YA Writer, and a few others. I started as a young adult writer and will be continuing the Christmas Carrolls story line but am now working with deeper subjects like mental illness and this next one is a psychological thriller, so basically still trying to find a genre I can fit into. I like the YA and how freeing it is while writing. The characters are more whimsical and it's a good change of pace from darker issues.
Even when I was a kid I started writing plays and my sisters and I would perform them for my parents. I wrote poetry and short stories. I loved it but never pursued it as a career until my 40s. At least I had life experience by then...lol

Mark

2/12/2020 05:52:00 pm

Life experiences are a good supplement to the imagination, when it comes to writing. Judgements tend to be more nuanced.
It seems the writing bug bit you at an early age. I think most kids go through that phase, fortunately many don't lose it when they get older.
New questions.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?
If you do, how did you find them?
At what stage in your writing process do you bring in the readers?

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 06:06:53 pm

I used alpha-readers with The Fruitcake Factory but none of the other stories. They were a few friends of mine that were diagnosed with MI, or at least familiar with it, as well. When I was finished with the second draft, I asked them to read it and even warned them that it was completely unpolished. They were great and even helped to pick out the final cover art.

Mark

2/12/2020 07:37:41 pm

You have some good friends there. Would you use them for other works or would you look for other beta readers? On my Twitter home page, I have many lists, one is for beta readers. Many of them work only in certain genres, you are welcome to avail yourself of that information.
Picking out covers is something fans love to do. Maybe you can start building a fan base now and that will help sales.
New questions.
Did you give the alpha readers an e-version like a PDF or a hard copy you printed?
What kind of questions did you ask them to get the feedback you wanted or do you let them provide feedback without particular questions?
Did you reward the alpha/beta readers in any way particular?

Roberta Glacken link

2/12/2020 08:00:08 pm

I prefer to get beta-readers according to what genre they enjoy reading, so I will definitely check out your Twitter page for some people when I'm ready with 'Til Death Do Us Part. I managed to get the first 2 paragraphs done, so it should be finished any day now...lol Not!
I gave my readers a PDF copy along with a few questions like: Do you find the characters realistic? Do you find them relatable? Would you and what would you change to the outcome of the characters and/or story?
Aside from that, I like them to give me their opinion of the plot, characters, arcs, and add suggestions at their own free will. Who knows, maybe someone can come up with something I hadn't even thought of.
I sent them a copy of the e-book once it was finished and published. One of my readers was actually a character in the story, so she considered that to be a reward but I gave her a copy anyway...lol

Mark

2/13/2020 09:16:18 am

Those are good questions.
Giving your readers a copy of the e-book is a good idea.
Grizz and I are in a cozy murder, he was the hit of the story. I was a bad guy, who had a change of heart and was killed by the antagonist for it. It was fun to proofread.
New questions.
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?
How many critique group members show up for the meetings usually?
What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?

Roberta Glacken link

2/13/2020 04:48:31 pm

Ooh, that sounds like a good story. It's been awhile since I read a mystery.
I do not belong to any critique groups but some online support groups. YA Writes met last night actually. Well, 3am my time so I guess that was this morning. I'm a night owl so most people would be getting up in a few hours, I'm going to bed in a few hours...lol They were discussing romance, in lieu of Valentine's Day.. I didn't really join in as I'm not writing a YA with romance, but I still like to see what everyone else is discussing like tropes, favorite types of love interests, etc... The amount of attendees varies. I guess it depends on what the topic is about. And then there are lurkers...like me...lol
The entire experience was a learning lesson. From research, writing, cover art, editing, formatting, and publishing. I think the most important was that there are people out there who are interested in reading it. I figured I would sell to my family and that would be it, but people actually bought it...lol It's encouraging to see that on KDP reports. Most of the time you get 1 copy bought and then a few days later someone reads 16 pages, then a week later another copy sells. One night I checked and had over 100 copies sell in one day. I e-mailed KDP support and told them that they have a glitch...lol They messaged back stating that it wasn't a glitch and congrats...lol
It was surreal.

Mark

2/13/2020 04:57:41 pm

That group sounds like fun.
Congratulations on selling so many. That seems like above average performance.
New questions.
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?
Do you have a hero, real or fictional?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

Roberta Glacken link

2/13/2020 05:12:29 pm

Those sales were just for 1 day. I wish it was like that all the time, but I'll take my 1 day as a win.
I wish I'd had known how hard marketing is, because it is the worse part of writing. I am a terrible sales person. Even in retail I was like "do you want it or not?" and that was it...lol
How there would be acquaintances out there to smear my name which I will not elaborate on any further.
Those are the 2 negatives, but the third is how rewarding it would be to finish it. Not just the sales but for me internally to finally get that story out of my head. That sense of accomplishment and pride.
Most valuable piece from a writer would be to write for myself and no one else.

Mark

2/13/2020 07:30:43 pm

That is an excellent win!
Marketing is the hardest part of being a writer, without a doubt! Querying is almost as bad because it is exactly the same thing, with lots of money at stake. Writing, especially the first draft, is a solitary task that requires a creative hat. Marketing is a public task that requires a business hat. It helps if you see your book as the solution to a problem the reader has. It is still hard and never really ends. A million books are being published every year now on Amazon. To rise to the top and be noticed by a lot of people takes a combination of factors: time, money, positioning and luck.
Many blogs have been written about marketing and will continue to be written. I have some on my Guest Blog page and many links on my Highly Regarded Blogs page.
It's amazing how some people will stoop so low.
That was a great piece of advice.
New questions.
You have published a number of books. You are writing more. Are you writing anything strictly for your own pleasure, not necessarily planning to publish it?
What are common traps for beginning writers?
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?

Roberta Glacken link

2/13/2020 07:42:03 pm

I have some stories that are either written, outlined or half-written. I will publish them at one point in the future, but not right now. They're just stories I needed to write down. More or less I just keeping them on the back burner for a few years until I feel like finishing one or two.
The worst trap for a beginner is the self-publishing scams out there. No publisher will ever charge an author and some new writers fall for it. They invest a good chunk of money will little to no results. How these companies are still able to do business is beyond me. A scam is a scam, even if you have a nice website.
I think ego goes 50/50 with writing. You need to have faith in yourself or no one else will, but keep humility at the same time. Is my book good? Yes. Is it the best book ever written? Not by a long shot...lol But you still need to be able to sell your book like it is the best book out there, even if it isn't.

Mark

2/13/2020 08:09:55 pm

That is one of the nice things about being a writer, most of the time you can wait until the story is ready to be published.
I agree about the publishing scams, they are horrendous. The internet age has made it easier to identify and isolate the scammers, but it has also made it easier for them to cut and run.
I have links to a great blog called writer beware on my Highly Regarded Blogs page, Victoria and her friends do great work!
New questions.
Can you describe the demographic of your ideal reader? Who is the person most likely to buy your book?
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
What is the biggest obstacle you face in writing?

Roberta Glacken link

2/13/2020 09:50:46 pm

Majority of my sales are from the US, Australia and Japan. Of course that's for all of my books. For The Fruitcake Factory, it's mostly the US.
The person most likely to read The Fruitcake Factory would be anyone who has dealt with MI, either directly or indirectly. I think people who have MI will definitely enjoy it, but those who have someone close to them with MI could get a better understanding as well.
Coffee is my lucky charm...lol Aside from that, I really don't have one. Just a very strange imagination and ability to put my thoughts into words.
The biggest obstacle for me, which is for a lot of writers, is the blank page. I know what I want to write about. I know how it begins and how it ends, but that first sentence or two is always the hardest. Once I overcome that, the rest just flows.

Mark

2/14/2020 10:17:58 am

I imagine foreign sales are very gratifying. If Amazon had stores in more countries, sales would increase. English is used as an official language by many countries and taught as a second language in many more countries. It might be good idea to go wide through other distributors.
I remember struggling with the blank page in high school, and more recently when I started to write blogs.
New questions.
What is your writing kryptonite and how has it affected you?
Do you struggle with writer's block, if so, how do you overcome it?
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?

Roberta Glacken link

2/14/2020 11:16:17 am

My kryptonite would be the internet. I'll be doing research on something like marriage laws and 4 hours later finding out that penguins use to be 6 foot tall and some of them were albino....lol Side note: This could be a very good way to introduce the abominable snowman :) I just click one link after another and rarely get anything done. I have to place a post-it note on my screen saying "do not click the links".
I have writer's block frequently. I usually read the last few pages to try to get the flow back or listen to music for awhile. What music depends on what I'm writing. With the Christmas Carrolls it was Christmas music and baking cookies. With The Fruitcake Factory it was jazz.
I don't write under a pseudonym but I know some authors that do. One lady said she has a pseudonym for every genre she writes. I don't know how they keep up with it but if it works for them, then go with it. As for me, I write YA and am now venturing into new territory, but nothing that would cause me to change my name as an author.

Mark

2/14/2020 12:30:43 pm

Rabbit holes are the bane of my life also. I like that idea of the post-it note.
I know an author that has a pen name for each genre, she has a website for each and they all lead to a main website with a separate section for each genre. I expect she is hoping for crossover. At least she only has one website to update.
Writing in multiple genres is a good idea; if nothing else, it provides a different project to work on if you come down with a case of writer's block.
New questions.
Are there any issues that are peculiar to writing this genre that might not apply to other genres?
Are there any writing styles or genres that you disliked at first but soon came to like?
Do you think reading, watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?

Roberta Glacken link

2/14/2020 12:52:38 pm

This one that I'm working on now and The Fruitcake Factory has a lot more research than my YA books. The Christmas Carrolls were pretty much mythological beings that I could do anything with. Now I have to study laws and psychology, sociology and government. I now know why my teachers told me I needed to practice studying...lol
I never liked romance novels but not because of the book itself, but because I always thought they were all the same 'Hallmark' type. Then I found out that some are romantic-comedies. Some are just good stories with romance sub-plot. They're not too bad now :)
Listening to music and reading, but I rarely watch television or movies anymore. I think it's mainly because the originality is gone from Hollywood. When they stop making remakes or knock-offs, I may start back to watching movies and TV again. It's like "Hey that vampire movie was popular..let's make 20 tv shows about the same thing." It's nerve wracking. But music helps me through a lot of writer's block and reading is a favorite down time of mine. Though I could never understand how people can read a chapter before bed. I pick up a book, I don't sleep until it's finished. Than I ponder it for a few days.

Mark

2/14/2020 01:13:22 pm

I used to think the same thing about romance, then I discovered there are many variations, historical, comedy, cozy murders, reverse harem, fantasy, space opera, these and others all can have a romantic element in varying degrees. I find I don't like the stories that have an empty-headed protagonist, whether male or female. I find myself saying, "How can you be so stupid!"
I have not stayed up all night reading in a very long time. I did it quite a bit when in high school and college.
New questions.
What type of book is your favorite guilty pleasure to read or listen to for fun?
Do you ever listen to audio books?
Have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at writing?
Do you think that a writer needs to read books, why or why not?

Roberta Glacken link

2/14/2020 01:28:17 pm

My guilty pleasure is horror. I love scaring the heck out of myself...lol I know I shouldn't but I still do, then turn all the lights on because I'm a big sissy.
I just started listening to audio books. My eyes get blurry faster now that I'm getting a little older and it just helps me relax more to lay back and listen. It needs a good narrator though. I love the one who read The Fruitcake Factory for me. She was awesome. I currently have The Christmas Carrolls in the audio phase.
When I was younger, most books we had to read for school were those literary works that had big words and long, flowing sentences and I knew I could never write like that. A few years after that, I started reading other works and found that not all books are constructed like that. I write in short, choppy sentences. It's how I talk, so it's how I write. It's nice to know that others do the same.
I think reading books helps, but is not a necessity. It does help expand your vocabulary and also to get some ideas about what genres you are most comfortable with and which tropes you prefer, but if someone wants to write, then they should. Reading is not a prerequisite.

Mark

2/14/2020 01:51:51 pm

I used to read horror, a very long time ago. I got fascinated by Lovecraft and read several of his stories in a row. I overdosed on the genre and haven't had a desire to return to it. I had to sleep with the lights on also.
I had to get glasses when I turned 48. It was getting harder to read. My eyes don't focus the same anymore.
I like audio books also, though I find it very easy to lose focus. It helps when I can speed it up, otherwise it's too slow for me. I can read much faster.
Writing styles change over time and genre, of course. Short choppy sentences are great for action and adventure type stories; a lot of people write that way.
New questions.
What hurdle did you face in writing this book and how did you overcome it?
Would you agree or disagree with the statement: suffering is a requirement to be a good writer, and why?
Do you ever brainstorm with non-writers and if so, is it effective?

Roberta Glacken link

2/14/2020 02:15:35 pm

My greatest hurdle was reliving some parts of my past. The book is based on my experiences in several psychiatric wards and mental institutions, which brought back some not-so-pleasant memories. I still keep in touch with a few people that I've met over the years through those times though and they helped me out. I would start to get depressed about one part that I was writing and they would bring up something funny that happened around the same time, which cheered me up. It's important to have a support group.
I don't think writers need to suffer. I think anyone who chooses to do it for a living is putting suffering on themselves though...lol I believe you need some life experiences for your stories to sound genuine but all you really need is passion and creativity.
I have brainstormed with non-writers but refuse to brainstorm with non-readers. There is nothing worse when people admit that they don't read books and yet know what you should be writing about. Non-writers who do read, on the other hand, are great. They'll give you ideas and suggestions that you've never thought of. I've already been talking to friends before and we'll just be discussing random stuff and one will go "Hey, why don't you write about that? That I would be interested in reading." I have several ideas on the back burner from conversations like that.

Mark

2/14/2020 02:27:45 pm

That makes a lot of sense, being in a ward or institution is not the highlight of anyone's life.
A non-reader telling a writer what to do sounds pretty ironic, alright.
That must be nice, knowing that ideas are just waiting for you to spend some time with them.
New questions.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to enhance your career?
Do you subscribe to any magazines, newsletters, blogs or podcasts that enhance your writing career? Feel free to share as many as you would like.
What are your favorite reference books or websites for grammar and writing?

Roberta Glacken link

2/14/2020 02:48:15 pm

I once spent money for someone to interview me and promote my book...lol Best investment would probably be my website. I just got it up and running so not too many results right now, but it's a work in progress.
I subscribe to a few on youtube like Jenna Moreci, Author Brittany Wang, Jason Starr Books and of course Amazon KDP for updates. The first 3 have great content about the entire writing process from outlining, how to name your book, world building, publishing, etc. I highly recommend them and Jenna is hysterical. I just want to adopt her as a little sister...lol
Besides my bookmarked thesaurus.com, which I use constantly when in the 3rd draft, I have taken classes at skillshare.com. Also, my favorite still to this day is britannica.com. All the knowledge, not as heavy...lol The rest just depends on what I'm writing about. I used NAMI, mentalhealth.gov and JED foundation and their links a lot while writing The Fruitcake Factory and my bullying books. I also use grammarly at times when unsure about something.

Mark

2/15/2020 09:52:49 am

A website is very important. We hear the mantra, if you build it they will come. Then there is social media, there are so many platforms, each one takes time. That is time away from writing. It becomes imperative to choose wisely, it helps if you can identify the type of person who is most likely to buy your book. Many blogs have been written about this and associated topic.
I hope Jenna, Brittany and Jason get a boost. Tell them Word Refiner and Roberta sent you.
Grammarly is handy for finding quite a bit, but it doesn't find everything. The human editor and proofreader is still needed. Otherwise I wouldn't find spelling errors in almost every book I promote. I promote a book a week, my average is one book a year has no spelling errors; unless I already proofread it.
New questions.
Have you ever created a throw-away character that developed into a major player?
Do you ever put a story aside and come back to it at a later date; if so, how long before you return to it?
Why do most authors write in 3rd person POV instead of first and second POV?

Roberta Glacken link

2/15/2020 10:07:39 am

A throw-away character, no. I have had some background characters that turned into major characters though. In the Fruitcake Factory, Robert wasn't initially a major player, but as I was writing, I liked how Jeannie interacted with him and he ended up as the secondary character.
I put stories aside all the time. I have several on the back burner now that I'm just waiting to get inspired to write. Some have been there for a few months and some for years. Sometimes, I'll have 2 or 3 stories going at once, depending on what I feel like writing at the time. That's just how my brain works, I guess.
I prefer 3rd person POV. It allows me to tell what is happening even when the main character isn't around. It's that whole "little did he know" aspect. Most of the time I don't have just one character anyway, so it lets me dig into the other people more so than if just 1st POV.

Mark

2/15/2020 10:25:30 am

Having an omniscient narrator is very handy. Many writers use that in their books to great effect. However, first person POV has an advantage of intimacy, as long as head hopping is avoided. Switching between two or three characters is not too bad, as long as the change is clearly marked. I read a book where each chapter alternated between two characters, the action flowed in consecutive fashion. One or two critical scenes were played twice, separately from each character's POV. It was well done. It was a YA dystopian romance. The Divinity Bureau By Tessa Clare. I reviewed it elsewhere on my website. Obviously, that imposes some interesting restrictions on the writing. The character and the reader have no idea what another person is thinking unless the that person does or says something to give an indication of their thoughts.
New questions.
Were you a plotter or a pantster when you started writing? How about now, has that changed?
Do you think you were born to write or did you have to learn the craft?
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Roberta Glacken link

2/15/2020 10:35:18 am

Switching between characters like that sounds like an interesting experiment for me. I may try that with another story.
I was a panster when I started. I knew the characters and the story by heart and just wrote. Now I'm more of a hybrid. I outline a rough sketch and that's it. I know authors who have story boards and notes everywhere. I don't do that. I have one basic sketch of the beginning, middle and end and one with characters and that's it. The rest I just fill in as I go.
I believe I was born to write. I always loved doing it, even as a kid, though I did have to learn a lot once I decided to make it my profession. There is so much more than writing that needs to be studied.
The most difficult is staying focused. Right now I'm writing 'Til Death Do Us Part. I just wrote a very rough first chapter but my mind is already in the middle of the story, which makes chapter 2 a little hard to write. I usually have to take a step back, read over what was written and then try to continue.

Mark

2/15/2020 11:10:36 am

I hope you enjoy experimenting with first person POV.
I would imagine that as a book grows in size plotting and keep track of things might become more important.
A lot of authors write from beginning to end, more or less. There is an interesting guest blog on my website called Non-linear Writing, by Rick Hall. He makes a good case that a book doesn't have to be written in that fashion. Sometimes it is easier to write whatever comes easiest to the pen. I think he even says that writing the last chapter first makes hinting and foreshadowing simpler.
Writing as a business and profession requires a lot of knowledge and time besides the actual writing. Unless the writer has lots of money to hire people to handle all those pesky details such as covers, formatting, marketing and the thousand other details that demand attention.
New questions.
What did you buy with your first royalty check?
How did you celebrate when you published your first book?
How many times did you rewrite the first page, the first chapter of this book?

Roberta Glacken link

2/15/2020 11:24:46 am

I'm not sure what I bought, but it was probably off the dollar menu at McDonald's...lol My first check was $35 from a short story on website that's not running anymore. I treated myself and my aunt to some snacks and beer and we sang karaoke the rest of the night. Good times!
I celebrated my first published book by #1 telling every single person I know and #2 treated myself to a good dinner. I figured, I worked hard so I deserved a dinner I didn't have to cook or clean up after.
The Fruitcake Factory was easy for the first draft, but had about 6 re-writes before publishing. The first page is always the hardest for me anyway. I'm not even sure how many "first" sentences I went through. After that though, it pretty much writes itself.

Mark

2/15/2020 11:39:50 am

You sure know how to party! I would have done about the same thing! Except for the Karaoke, anyone who has heard me sing is not likely to ask me do that.
Publishing that first book had to be a great feeling!
We are told that the first line, paragraph and page are critical so the reader will keep turning the page. You have taken that to heart and made good use of it.
New questions.
Do you have a “favorite” filler word or two that you have to keep taking out of a story, like “just” or like “like”? 😉
What was the earliest experience that made you realize that you could influence and change lives with the power of writing?
Do you have a hidden message in your writings for a particular person or group?

Roberta Glacken link

2/16/2020 02:32:58 am

Wow, I have several filler words. 'Said/ask' are always my dialogue tags in the first draft, along with 'looked'. I go back in the 2nd and 3rd drafts with a thesaurus changing all my 'looks' to 'glares/glances/stares...'. 'Sat/stood' are also descriptions that I use. "She sat down, he stood up". Then I have to go back and omit them or use different actions for my characters.
I hope I can influence or change someone's life, but I have never heard anyone say that before. Maybe with The Fruitcake Factory I can raise awareness for MI and all profits go to charity, so there's a way to change lives, I guess.
The Fruitcake Factory is based on my experiences in and out of hospitals and therapy. I met a lot of real life characters that are portrayed in the book. Like the 'Krista seeing demons' part was an actual event. Jeannie was based off a good friend of mine. My beta readers were from those times in my life and when they were reading, they would message me going "OMG! I remember (Robert) changing identity", or "You told her that those demons were imps." or "You have (Jeannie) down to a science." A few Easter eggs for those I went through group with are present and they didn't go unnoticed.

Mark

2/16/2020 08:29:18 am

Very many authors use "said" and "ask", quite a few don't like to use those common dialogue tags.With the use of action beats, many of them can be replaced altogether. Keep in mind, the punctuation is different for an action beat.
It sounds like your friends really enjoyed your story. They aught all those inside jokes.
DID is an interesting phenomenon, it is highly individualized. Attitude, posture, even eye color can change dramatically.
New questions.
Do you believe that a good book will sell itself?
Do you think good marketing can overcome the limitations of a mediocre book?
What is the biggest myth about writing that would help aspiring authors?

Roberta Glacken link

2/16/2020 09:19:17 am

I think over time a good book will sell itself through word of mouth, but initially needs marketing of some sorts to get the word out. You could have the best book in the world, but if no one knows about it, it will just sit on the shelves.
Marketing is a huge tool in the writing career. I've read several mediocre (my opinion) books that I bought just because of the hype that surrounded it. "Most intense book of the year!" "A roller coaster of a ride!" "Full of twists and turns!" So I buy it, read it and sit there after the fact feeling let down. However, the author did make a sale and hence the marketing worked.
There are so many myths surrounding writing. People will tell you that a book or a chapter has to be a certain length or that it needs a romantic sub-plot. None of that is true. They will try to tell you that you need a certain word count depending on genre in order to be a "good book" and it's completely false. Love Story is only 131 pages long and look how that turned out. If the story is good and you are done telling it, then don't try to add something that won't fit.

Mark

2/16/2020 09:32:03 am

With a million books being published every year, some kind of marketing is necessary, without a doubt. I think some authors who are chasing the traditional publishing route expect the publisher will handle that. Unless you are one of the most famous authors, you are pretty much on your own. Some publishers won't even talk to you unless you have an active social media presence and a mailing list numbering in the thousands. The publishers see that list as guaranteed sales.
Marketing can be quite misleading, no doubt about that. What is exciting for one will be mediocre for another person.
Like so many other things in the business, the word count per genre is a rough guideline, and anyone can publish what they want.
New questions.
Where would your work be if you didn't have real people to base characters in your writing?
In your experience, which marketing avenues have been the most rewarding or profitable?
Do you have any problems when writing about characters of the opposite sex, why or why not?

Roberta Glacken link

2/16/2020 09:48:46 am

Wow, that's a great question. even in The Christmas Carrolls, the fictional characters have personalities based on people I know. I'm not sure, really. I'm 48 years old and have met a lot of characters in my life and rather intentional or not, they end up in my stories.
I haven't really done a lot of marketing for my books yet. Finding a few book clubs helps. I was talking to someone on Twitter who has a book club and recommended The Fruitcake Factory to them, which is where I had that spike in sales.
I prefer writing opposite sex. I'm a tom-boy anyway and always hung around guys growing up, so writing girly-girls is hard for me. Most of my female leads are edgy, opinionated types, except for Lizzie. Her I based a little off of my daughter and my niece. I love them both to death, but they can be a little flighty at times...so can I, but I won't admit it...lol Male characters are so much easier to write in regards to tone and demeanor.

Mark

2/16/2020 05:30:31 pm

Book clubs must be a good way to promote a book. I haven't had an author mention that for sometime. I have seen people ask about book clubs on Next Door. I am too busy to join one. There are some good posts about marketing, I think I already mentioned that.
There are so many ways to market a book, placing cardboard counter-stands in tourist locations using the "local Author" angle is good, Some places will buy them wholesale, others will let you use a bit of counter space, they might also collect the price of the book for you. Restaurants, B&Bs, museums, souvenir shops, motels are all possibilities. Doing interviews in local media, cable access, local newspapers, college and high school media as well. Some fraternal organizations might permit some time for a short speech. Local bookstores allow that as well, more than the chains do. But there is variety within the chain bookstores also. Look for banners about readings the next time you are in Barnes and Noble, then inquire. I suggest always having a few books in the trunk of your car, along with the counter holders.
It sounds like you have good models for the feminine side of things. I like a strong female protagonist also.
New questions.
How do you balance the demands on your time as a writer with personal relationships?
How long have you been a full-time writer, and how much time did it take you to make the transition from part time?
Did you have pieces of the story that were removed from this book? If, so why did you remove them and did you save those pieces?

Roberta Glacken link

2/16/2020 05:42:46 pm

My writing comes first. I know that sounds strange, but it is a form of therapy for me. I also have sever social anxiety, so I rarely ever leave the house. I even have trouble making phone calls at times. Basically, I only have a few personal relationships anyway and they're understanding about how I am. Most of my correspondence is online.
I've been full-time for about a year now. It took me awhile to get started due to personal factors in my life, but once I started, that was it for me. I was hooked on writing. I never really was part-time. I wrote short stories here and there but just as a hobby.
I did write a section about Mark on Christmas Eve when he was closing the store, but decided it may be too much of a trigger for some people so I omitted it. I didn't save it either. I just read through it and then decided to discard it all together.

Mark

2/16/2020 06:13:46 pm

It seems a number of writers are socially averse, some do great with lots of people. I can do well, I have to get in the proper frame of mind. The part about Mark at the end of the book was strong. You handled it well. I think you made a good choice.
New questions.
Do you have any other passions or creative outlets to pursue if you didn't write?
Is there a cause you are passionate about?
Have you any favorite literary journals?
Do you experiment with writing or prefer to stay in the safe zone?

Roberta Glacken link

2/16/2020 06:27:34 pm

Yes, definitely. I love to crochet, knit, bake, cook...pretty much your typical 'granny' hobbies. I'm into anything that allows the creativity to flow, except drawing. I cannot draw to save my life...lol
I am passionate about Mental Health Awareness and NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). I try to donate or at least raise awareness for both of those. I hold them both close to my heart.
I used to read Untied Shoelaces, but they went out of business I believe. Other than that, I really don't read any. I do read Tumblr and Reddit short stories. Most of them are pretty good, especially the darker ones.
As of right now, I stay in a safe zone. I'm just now getting out of the YA genre and experimenting with stories for a more mature audience with biographical fiction and thrillers. I'm actually really enjoying it so far. Maybe I'll sway into Sci-Fi or Occult after this next book comes out.

Mark

2/16/2020 09:09:22 pm

Those are good hobbies. My wife is a great cook, and an even better baker. She took a class to learn how to make french croissants, she turned out some amazing goodies. I am really good at eating.
Science fiction is my favorite genre, it was all I read for 20 some years. Then I got back into fantasy. Now, I like good writing in almost any genre.
New questions.
What did your family say when you announced your desire to be a writer?
What do they think now?
How do you maintain the excitement for yourself? Your excitement will impact others around you.

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 05:05:42 am

I only told one person in my family and that was my sister, Lisa. She was happy for me, but I don't really come from a close-knit family, so I didn't bother making an announcement. If you notice, no one in my stories has a family or at least not a good one. They say 'write what you know' so I write characters who are alone in the world. Jeannie had no one, Robert had an a abusive mother and went to live with his grandmother, who passed a way. Mark was so alone on Christmas that his depression finally won and Krista never had anyone visit her while in the hospital.
When I finish a book or publish or whatever part of the process I am in, I celebrate with my characters. Sounds weird and maybe even mental, but they are the reason behind the book. It's their story, not mine...I just narrate it. If someone asks me about one of my stories, then yeah, I get passionate about it, but other than that, I mostly keep to myself. I'll post updates on Twitter or FB but nothing too over-the-top. Now that I have my website, however, I can make announcements during the entire process and build some hype. Maybe I'll throw a cover reveal contest or hold beta reader give-away. :)

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 07:49:11 am

That last sentence is suppose to read: a give-away for beta readers. I am not giving away beta readers...lol

Mark

2/17/2020 09:23:50 am

I guessed what you meant in the context.
A lot of families are not close-knit, there is much in society that works against it. Divorce can be devastating for all parties involved, especially the children.
There wouldn't be much of a story without the characters, that is for sure. The people who the characters were modeled after were happy for you also, I imagine.
It will take time, but I think you will be able to build a fan club with your website. I think a lot of people will want to follow you by subscribing to your website.
New questions.
What area of your writing has the greatest need for improvement at this time?
Can you think of a non-writing skill you could learn that might prove to be useful for writing in the future?
When do you think your next book will be published?
What will you do differently with this next book, in terms of publishing?

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 09:35:48 am

For the first and second question, it would be marketing. I am taking a few classes on skill share with regards to marketing, so hopefully in the near future I can improve and get the word out easier about my books.
I'm only on chapter 3 of 'Til Death Do Us Part, so it will be awhile before it's complete. This one I have hopes of it being a full length novel of at least 60k words instead of my usual 20k. It has a lot of twist and turns in it and a huge back story, so reaching my goal shouldn't be a problem. I may try traditional publishing with this one instead of self-publishing. I'm not sure how it will go, but it's worth a try. The worst that can happen is they say "no". I'm aiming for the holidays for it to be complete or at least in the final phase of revisions and editing.

Mark

2/17/2020 10:33:04 am

Marketing is the biggest stumbling block for so many authors. I hope you are reading blogs also, there are so many opinions out there to sort through.
A huge backstory is good, as long as you can resist the urge for too many info dumps. It gives the opportunity for a prequel, to satisfy fans.
That are a couple of more lists on my Twitter home page: literary agents and publishers. You may find those useful.
Get ready for more classes, writing a query is another topic that writers commiserate over. Some of them query for over a year before self-publishing.
The traditional publishing industry is stacked against indie authors. The publishers are struggling with shrinking profit margins. The industry is shrinking. They aren't nearly as willing to take chances on an indie author as they used to. We have Amazon to thank for that, EM turned the publishing world upside down.
New questions.
Have you read any fiction books that have changed your perception of that genre or style of writing?
How do you deal with a difficult section in a WIP? Have you ever read that section out loud to sort out the difficulty?
Is there any particular time of the day that ideas usually hit you?
Is it hard or easy to connect with your muse, why do you think it is that way?

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 10:57:46 am

Between a Rock and a Hot Mess by Phyllis Bourne. I never liked romance books due to the unrealistic nature of them, but this was a romantic-comedy and I loved it. I started reading more romance after that. She has a sequel to the novel as well that was good.
If I hit a difficult section, I usually take a step back from writing and sit in my living room for a spell to reflect different scenarios in my head to see what would be the best one. If that doesn't work, I listen to music or read over what I've already written and try to gain inspiration from that.
I'm a night owl, so most of my ideas come when the house and streets are quiet and I can be alone with my thoughts. No phone calls. No traffic. No distractions at all. Just silence outside and the voice in my head.
I usually have a type of mind that goes in every direction anyway, so getting in touch with my muse isn't hard. My only problem is picking a topic and sticking with it longer than a few days, which is why I have so many WIP on the back burner. Sometimes my muse goes into hyper-drive and my only set-back is the fact that humans require sleep and food, in which case I live off of frequent naps and smoothies...lol

Mark

2/17/2020 11:10:34 am

I held the same idea about romance books for a long time also. My mind was changed by some excellent writing, as well. Now I look forward to reading a romance book for a book promotion.
I am amazed at times how my mind can go in so many different directions at the same time. I think you are very smart to write these ideas down.
New questions.
Have you received any feedback on a story that influenced the next book?
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or print books?
What books are you reading at present for your business and for pleasure?

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 11:22:42 am

Two of my stories actually. The Christmas Carrolls was inspired by a short story I wrote called 'Jacob and Lizzie'. I received a few requests from a few people to write another story based on that couple and decided to turn it into a book series. The second was The Fruitcake Factory. MI is both terrifying and interesting at the same time. The feedback I got from a some people was how scary our minds can be to us and those around us. It inspired me to write 'Til Death Do Us Part which touches on schizophrenia and depression.
I prefer print books, though I am more swayed to ebooks at the moment. My eyes are not what they use to be and I can enlarge the print to suit my needs, though there is nothing like curling up with a good paperback on the sofa.
I just read 'I Must Be Alive: I smell Coffee' by Judy Shirley. Excellent spiritual read for those who need a dose of religion now and then. It basically talks about self-care and taking a break now and again to reflect on yourself, which is something I lack doing. As for business, I read a lot of Rayne Hall books. She has many helpful books out there for writers. The latest one was Vivid Settings, but I've read Vivid Characters, Vivid Dialogue, Scary Scenes, Fight scenes, etc.

Mark

2/17/2020 11:39:47 am

That is quite nice, readers encouraged you to write more, that is a wonderful accolade from the consumers!
Mental Illness is scary, no question about that. The person who is suffering from MI is unpredictable, in the minds of others.
I resisted e-books for a long time. You are right, they are so convenient in many ways, changing the font and size is nice, I really like being able to check word definitions and note spelling errors.
Self-care is important, no question about that. I spend all day on my computer, I love reading and proofreading. I take time from the screen to look outside, into the distance to relieve eye strain.
Rayne and I have followed each other for a long time, it's good to hear her books have been useful for you.
New questions.
Do you proofread and edit your own books or use a professional?
What are the main advantages of being self-published as opposed to getting a book deal?
What are the three most important considerations for an independent author to be certain of when self-publishing?

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 12:05:07 pm

I know I shouldn't, but I edit and proofread all my books. It's a matter of finances, really. Editors are expensive and no matter how much I budget, it's just not in feasible, unless I waited for 4 years to publish. This next book, I probably will hire someone, mainly just to take the strain off of me a little, especially now that I have some book sales from The Christmas Carrolls coming in. Everything from The Fruitcake factory goes to charity, so I see no profit from those.
Being self-published, I am my own boss. I choose the cover art and I choose how the story goes. I don't have anyone saying to change something that I feel is important to the book itself. I am free to express my creatively without interference.
#1 Study the craft. Writing is so much more than typing words on a computer screen. It's an entire business that you have to run. Writing, editing, marketing, publishing, all of it. Even if you hire people to do the job, you will still need to know that you're hiring the right person for the job.
#2 Beware of self-publishing scams! Do not give money to anyone to publish your book. Always do your homework when it comes to these companies. You can look them up online or ask around a writing community on social media.
#3 Be patient. Someone becoming an overnight success is rare in this field...or any field actually. I know when I first published, I check my KDP report every hour and drove myself nuts. The likelihood of you selling a million copies in the first week or first year are slim to none. Set your sights on something smaller and work your way up. Do not get discouraged and market, market, market. You'll get there.

Mark

2/17/2020 02:15:33 pm

We all live in the real world, we have to live within our means. I understand budgets quite well.
As a self-publisher you are in charge of everything for your books. You hit that nail on the head quite well. You do the hiring and you collect the rewards for your labor.
A writer loses control over everything when using a traditional publisher. A publisher can decide to wait a year or more to even publish the book. How disappointing would that be?
Your advice for writers is perfect! Those are all important and very realistic.
Last questions.
How do you convince readers to write a book review?
What are your thoughts on bad book reviews?
Have you ever thought about speaking to a college or high school writing class?
What is your favorite motivational phrase that keeps you going?

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 02:28:36 pm

I haven't convinced anyone to write a review, though I do encourage it to anyone who has read one of my books. Word of mouth is a good marketing tool. I just wish more people left reviews, but they don't. I wouldn't even mind a bad review. I recently got a 3 star with criticism and thanked the person for their input. Writers are not mind readers, so unless someone can tell us the good and bad qualities of the stories, we don't know. It helps me make improvements in my writing.
I have severe social anxiety, so public speaking is out of the question for me. I have difficulty with phone calls let alone being in front of a group of people.
My favorite motivation is getting into my characters. I try to figure out what their favorite things are, like food for instance. Then I'll cook that meal or dessert. For The Christmas Carrolls I would have homemade, fresh baked cookies while writing. With The Fruitcake Factory, Jeannie and Robert would discuss coffee, so I would make a gourmet coffee with either chocolate or caramel before I started. It's for work, I swear...lol

Mark

2/17/2020 03:39:21 pm

Well said, an honest bad review is better than no review. I tell authors that a bad review is actually good, it proves that the other reviews are honest, not just their mom and cat leaving the good reviews.
Just as a book has an audience, it also has a non-audience, those that won't enjoy the book. The book that has universal love and acclaim will never be written. So, every author is on the hunt for their audience.
I had a lot of trouble with public speaking when I was in high school, my stammer made it so hard to even answer the phone. Now, it's a struggle to make videos or Skype interviews. I have learned that if I can make a script it goes much easier. One of the most important things I learned in a Dale Carnegie class, many years ago, was that in the eyes of the audience I was an expert. They wanted to hear what I had to say, and they would listen even more carefully with my stammer. That was liberating for me.
Thank you, Roberta, I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you and getting to know your writing process. This has been a lot of fun. I have another promotion to prepare for, so we must bring this to a close.
Thanks again for being a great guest on the only live interview for authors on the internet.

Roberta Glacken link

2/17/2020 03:48:46 pm

Thank you so much for the interview and book promotion. I really enjoyed myself this past week. I will definitely be checking out the other blogs on marketing and publishing. I look forward to working with you in the future when 'Til Death Do Us Part is ready. Good luck with your next interview.

Rhani D'Chae

2/21/2020 12:54:04 am

Hi, Roberta. Please DM me on Twitter so that I will be sure to get your message. Otherwise, I might miss it.

Rhani D'Chae

2/21/2020 12:50:54 am

Hi, Roberta. I just purchased a copy of your book, and I look forward to reading it.
I would like to recommend Rave Reviews Book Club to you. I have yet to meet a more helpful and supportive group of authors, and the promotional/exposure opportunities are awesome! I don't have the link handy, and if I leave this form I will lose everything I've typed. But please reach out to me on Twitter, @rhanidchae, and I will be happy to answer any questions. The more we work together, the more we all succeed. 😀

Roberta Glacken link

2/28/2020 04:26:38 pm

Thank you, Rhani. I hope you enjoy the book and I have already followed you on Twitter. I'll be looking in to Rave Reviews Book Club. Thanks for the tip.

The Fruitcake Factory By Roberta Glacken

A fictional representation of life with mental illness

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