Wordless Wednesday: Writer’s Corner
Sunday Sessions: Interview with Author, PJ Webb
Welcome to the series, Sunday Sessions, where you’ll get to meet authors from around the world, writing in different genres, sharing their writing tips, marketing adventures and much more.
Please welcome PJ Webb, author of Prince of the Blood series.
1 – Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is PJ Webb, and I wasn’t always interested in writing. Well, not stories anyway. I’m from New York City and originally wanted to be a rock and pop singer and a song writer. To support myself I modeled, and I spent many evenings in recording studios with the band I had put together. Then I met my future husband, Scott, and became involved in helping him with his new business. Eventually, I put the music on hold, as the business became paramount and grew into an extremely successful enterprise.
2 – How did the idea for the Prince of the Blood – Transformation come about?
In 2011 when the recession hit, the business my husband and I had worked so hard to build began to crumble. My husband was working long hours and would come home drained and fall asleep while I stayed up most of the night worrying about a situation I really had no control over. Then I decided that if I was going to be up the better part of the night, I might as well do something constructive, and I began to write the first book in my Prince of the Blood Chronicles. By the time I had the first draft finished the business was gone and with it everything we owned except for our boat, Somewhere in Time. My husband and I got on board with our two cats and headed south. We intended to go to Florida but broke down in North Carolina where we lived on board for fifteen months. I have to say now that in retrospect the time I spent writing my first book saved my sanity. My main character, Sebastian, was written with the strength and determination I needed to go on, and he became my inspiration.
3 – What sort of research did you do before you started writing?
I did extensive research because this book is actually an historical work of fiction that along with the rest of the series spans more than two hundred years.
4 – What do you love/hate most about writing or being a writer?
I love the idea of creating something that hopefully readers will escape into for relaxation and enjoyment. I love the creative process of meeting the characters as they come to life and the development of events along the way that bring the story to fruition. I don’t, however, like the tedious but extremely necessary process of editing. And, the butterflies wondering if a new book will be liked once it’s released. I’m still a relatively new author, and perhaps it’s a feeling that eventually stops, but somehow I doubt that.
5 – What is your typical writing day like?
It’s very rare that I actually have an entire writing day all though it is heavenly when it happens. Usually, I have a few hours in the evening to write, and sometimes I still indulge myself late at night. I have found though, that if you discipline yourself to make good use of the time you have, you can actually make a great deal of progress.
6 – What are you currently reading?
I’m actually between books at the moment. I just read A Bedtime Story by L.C. Moon and am looking forward to starting the first book in The Dragon Dreamers Series by Jenny S. Burke.
7 – If you were having a dinner party and could invite five people, living or dead, who would you invite and why?
That’s such an interesting question, Kasia. The author Anne Rice because I’m so in awe of her beautiful and poetic writing style. Her book, The Interview with The Vampire, has always been one of my favorites. The late Kurt Cobain because I’d just like to ask him WHY? Meryl Streep because I think she’s the finest actor that ever lived. I’ve always just adored her in every role she’s ever taken. Oscar Wilde for his ingenious and entertaining wit, and Lady Gaga for drama.
8 – What’s your view on social media marketing for authors?
Well, I think you get back what you put into it. For me it’s been an interesting experience in that I’ve met so many wonderful and talented authors, and I’ve learned a great deal from them. Also, my books are reaching a lot of readers because of it, and I’ve also been blessed with opportunities that would have been missed without it.
9 – Do you have any marketing tips for new authors?
Just get out there and start interacting, but keep the promotion of yourself to a minimum. Be sincere in your interest in what others are doing and eventually they’ll be interested in you. You may even make some very dear friends.
10 – If your book was turned into a film, who would you like to play your main characters? The villain?
Honestly, this is a question I’ve considered so many times and so far I’ve come up with no answers. I’m afraid it’s the same now. All I can say is that I think the part of Sebastian Blood would have to be played by an unknown actor.
11 – Do you ever get writers block? How do you overcome it?
Fortunately, I haven’t had that problem, but I think if I did, rather than wasting time and becoming more and more frustrated, I’d just start another story. Then, I’d eventually go back to my first story refreshed and have another try at it.
12 – Where is your favorite place to write? Why?
I have a desk in our den that looks out over a lake. My computer is there and a comfortable chair, but not too comfortable, and while I really need to be alone when I write, I never feel lonely or out of touch because I can look out from time to time and enjoy the wildlife and the natural beauty of the lake.
13 – What are you currently working on?
I’m taking a little break from the Prince of the Blood Chronicles, but I would like to say that the Second Book, Evolution, was just recently released. Currently, the final editing is being done on the first book in my paranormal Cliff House Series about the mysterious goings-on at an old manor home overlooking the ocean in Nantucket. I plan on releasing this book named Lora Lee by the end of this month. I’m also in the process of writing the second book in this series.
Thank you so much, Kasia, for inviting me to do this interview. I think it’s so important for new writers, and especially new indie writers, to have the opportunity to introduce themselves to readers and other authors, and it’s blogs like yours that make that possible.
My social media links:
TWITTER @PletchaPJWebb
FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/PJ.Webb.author
FACEBOOK AUTHORS PAGE https://www.facebook.com/PJ.Webb.auth.pg?ref=hl
GOOGLE + http://bit.ly/1EAbwm
PJ, thank you so much for speaking to us!
PART ONE – PRINCE OF THE BLOOD – TRANSFORMATION
Imagine fate putting you in all the right places at all the right times. Love, success, even stardom have been given to you and you embrace them with passion, but the path of your destiny has many twists and turns. Sebastian Blood had just such a life until it was stolen by his most jealous and ardent admirer. He then found himself thrust into a dark underworld where he was forced to suffer unspeakable horror. Will the one who cursed him for eternity destroy his immortal life, as well? The Prince of the Blood Vampire Chronicles is a work of historical fiction and a paranormal fantasy crisscrossing centuries.
Available at AMAZON http://amzn.to/1Ksb0Ml and has a 10 FIVE STAR REVIEWS, as well as a FIVE STAR RATING by READER’S FAVORITE https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/prince-of-the-blood …
PART TWO- PRINCE OF THE BLOOD – EVOLUTION
As Sebastian Blood, he lived a life of fame and wealth—an open book to his adoring fans and with the love of his mortal life by his side.
As Sebastian Du Sang, his life is one of infamy and revulsion—a figure cloaked in mystery and with only one constant—the love of his immortal life.
One reality for another as luck would have it. The devastating blow of fate. And, what will he do with this new and horrific beginning? He will rise above it
NEW RELEASE Available at AMAZON http://amzn.to/1COtfsE
Sunday Sessions: Interview with Author, Meghan Breaux
Welcome to the series, Sunday Sessions, where you’ll get to meet authors from around the world, writing in different genres, sharing their writing tips, marketing adventures and much more.
Please welcome Meghan Breaux, author of ‘Perfect, I Love You’.
1 – Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Meghan Breaux and I just graduated high school this past June. I’m eighteen and live with my parents just outside Dallas, Texas. I have the most amazing siblings and friends which I spend most of my time with. I played softball since I was eight years old and had an option to play college ball, but decided against it when I started to understand just how much time and dedication writing a book takes. One time, softball was my life, but now my future is nothing but writing.
2 – How did the idea for your novel, ‘Perfect, I Love You’ come about?
November of 2012, my dad had a stroke. I was fifteen and to a fifteen year old girl, having something that traumatic happen, can send your mind to places you never want it to go. I was a completely different person: grades dropped, stopped seeing friends, hated my family, cried every night, etc. So one night, I was sad as can be, listening to music and hating the world when suddenly I heard a song I had heard a million times before. And although I heard it so many times before, I had never fully listened to the words. I stopped crying and listened. That moment was the start to my recovery. I took my pain and started to heal by listening to that one song, and writing a million thank you letters to that artist. I never sent the letters, but just to write them made me feel better. Then one day, I decided those letters weren’t enough. I needed to write a story. A story of how I felt beginning to end. As I was writing, I decided to turn it into a book, adding certain twists here and there for a hook.
3 – What sort of research did you do before you started writing?
I looked up the city of Nashville, Tennessee. I had been there once before when I was ten, but it has grown since then. My sister lives there, so I had her tell me a lot about her daily life there, things she wishes she had done when she first moved there, and just her favorite things to do. Other than that, there wasn’t much research to do because it’s simply a story of a boy and girl going through life, finding themselves in this crazy world.
4 – What do you love/hate most about writing or being a writer?
I love the creative factor. There is no limit to what is acceptable and what is not. If you’re having a bad day, cry, scream, fight, kill a character. Take it out in the book. If a date didn’t go like you wanted it to, later that night, write about it, only when you write about it, change a few things so your date was perfect.
I hate that my hand can’t write at the speed my mind flows. I hate that there are so many ideas floating around in my head, but I can only pick a few to write about otherwise one of the millions of thoughts will never be able to turn into a story.
5 – What is your typical writing day like?
My typical writing day may seem boring, but it’s so relaxing. I usually sit up in my room, no lights on but the Christmas lights strung around the room, music playing in the back ground and a drink next to me. I write for hours at a time because once I start, I can’t stop. Sometimes, if I blank out on a particular scene, I start a new one, or finish writing an old one I had been working on. I jump around with scenes, really depending on my mood that day.
6 – What are you currently reading?
I’ve just started Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, one of my favorite authors. I’ve read three other books by her and hope to read many more here in the near future.
7 – If you were having a dinner party and could invite five people, living or dead, who would you invite and why?
Lorraine Heath- Living- she is the author that started me on books and inspired me to start writing. She and I are now good friends as she has helped me with my book in so many ways.
Katy Goheen– Living- she is my best friend and I don’t do anything without her. Without her by my side, I feel naked.
Hunter Hayes- Living- he is a great artist and an amazing person. He deserves an invite to my fun dinner party.
Jane Austen- Dead- her time period is my favorite. Authors may set their books in the Victorian ages, but she was there. She lived through that time and that’s cool. I’d ask her all kinds of questions about life back then. Besides, who wouldn’t want to talk to the creator of Mr. Darcy?
Jamie McGuire- Living- her book, Beautiful Disaster, so good. I want to re read it every day and I would love to sit down and talk with her for hours. That would be the best.
8 – What’s your view on social media marketing for authors?
I think it’s a great way to get your name out there, although I think most books are recommended through word of mouth.
9 – Do you have any marketing tips for new authors?
As I am a new author myself, I would suggest getting on as many sites as possible and be friendly. Make people want to follow you, and check out your book. Don’t shove it in their face, just suggest kindly.
10 – If your book was turned into a film, who would you like to play your main characters? The villain?
I never really put much thought into it, I just watch movies or TV and say, “Oh my gosh, that is Callie.”
For Callie Cooper, Cassidy Gifford would be a perfect fit. When I saw The Gallows with my friend, I saw Cassidy in the auditorium, talking to the guys and I turned to my friend and said, that’s Callie. I literally want her as my Callie. As the movie went on, it was more than just her looks that reminded me of Callie. Her strong head, and determination showed exactly what I was hoping for my heroine.
For Chase Daniels, heart throb Taylor Lautner would be the perfect fit. In my book, Chase is described as everything a teenager would want in a guy, from looks to personality, and Taylor is all that and more. Also with his build, he would make the perfect body guard to Callie.
For Easton Strander, I couldn’t imagine anyone but Chord Overstreet playing him. He has the smile I picture Easton wearing every time he looks at Callie. Besides being incredibly attractive, his personality seems soft, yet strong, just like Easton’s. He can give off the appearance of a country singer, seeing as Chord was once a major part in TV series Glee.
11 – Do you ever get writer’s block? How do you overcome it?
I do get writer’s block. It sucks. Usually, as a cure, I pick up a book and read. It isn’t until about halfway through that I get motivated again, or have more ideas. Once the ideas come back, they hit full force. Reading is only one way, another way is to either talk out stories with my best friend or listen to music and try to create a story in my head. I create background stories, the future, or just try to imagine why the artist decided to write this song. Anything really to get the creative juices stirring a bit helps.
12 – Where is your favorite place to write? Why?
At my neighbor hood park or near a water source. I write in my room most of the time just because it relaxes me and all my resources are easily accessible there, but on a spontaneous day, or a day I need motivation, I go outside and sit on a bench near the park. Just seeing the kids play, the birds fly, the water flow…gives me a little bit more room to breathe.
13 – What’s next for you?
I am currently writing a new book, the story line of it is based on a multitude of songs brought together. It is a much different read than my first book, but I think it really reflects my favorite book, Night Road, by Kristin Hannah. I hope to one day write more books like this one.
Please share your social media links:
Website: www.meghanbreaux.wix.com/meghan-breaux
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanbreauxbooks
Twitter: @Meghan_Breaux
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/op5he75
Email: Meghanbreauxbooks@gmail.com
Thank you so much for this opportunity! It was fun answering all the questions! Meghan.
Meghan, thank you so much for speaking to us!
5 Things I’ve Learnt About Twitter
Social media is a foreign language that I’m only slowly learning to grasp. It took me a few years to be comfortable with Facebook, and even now I still have second thoughts at times when I go to post something but I’m getting over it. Twitter, well I only started using it seriously last month. That’s right, I’ve been active on Twitter for about four weeks and I am surprised by the results. I still have a lot to learn but here are five things I’ve learned about Twitter so far.
1 – Twitter is about everyone else
Social media has made us into narcissists. There’s no doubt denying it. We are celebrities in our own little world. We want recognition, we want praise, we want success. There’s nothing wrong with that. A healthy dose of narcissism can be the difference between failure and success. Too much and you start getting on people’s nerves. Twitter isn’t about you, ok maybe a little, but it’s not there for you to scream “BUY MY BOOK!”, “BUY MY GODDAM BOOK ALREADY!”.
What in the world are you supposed to do instead? That question plagued my mind for weeks. What in the world am I going to tweet about? (Yes, tweet is a verb and not just the chirping type) I’m not funny, I”m not cool, and I’m still so inept when it comes to social media.
Turns out I had nothing to worry about at all. ‘Just retweet other posts’ a friend told me. Sounds easy enough. I find something I like, and I retweet.
Easy.
Twitter is about promoting others. The good thing with promoting others is that social karma will come back your way. Someone eventually, if your work is good enough, will promote you too. Retweeting is a good start until you figure out the ropes, then slowly but surely your tweeting confidence shall grow.
2 – Twitter is more effective than Facebook
Facebook has been losing its shit for a while now. You put up a post but it only reaches fifty people? What the? Unless you pay for a page, Facebook seems to hide your stream from your fans. Why is that? It’s all business, isn’t it?
With Twitter, there’s a constant traffic going on. You get your notifications, your tweets and you can see everything that’s going on. It’s also so much easier to get followers. When I started on Twitter four weeks ago, I had 9 followers. Yes, 9. That number made me feel deflated. What was I doing wrong? Four weeks later I’ve reached 300. I’ve been on Facebook for six months and there are 113. What am I doing wrong there?
3 – You can say a lot in 140 characters or less
At first glance 140 characters doesn’t seem like much but it’s enough to get your message across. You can tease your reader with a sentence from your novel. I’ve seen a lot of romance/erotica type teasers on Twitter. Quotes are popular, motivational quotes are great for writers as we often procrastinate, self-criticise and make excuses when the words don’t come. Twitter also teaches us to omit useless words. Write tightly: on Twitter and in your fiction and non-fiction works.
4 – There are a lot of writers out there
Writing is mostly a solitary activity. Having a community to share your thoughts, struggles, hopes, dreams and setbacks, makes being a writer easier and less lonely. Thanks to Twitter I’m finding writers from around the globe who are either in the same boat as I, ten steps ahead or a couple behind. It’s nice to know that we can help one another whether it’d be from a quick tweet, a short message, some moral support, or reaching out for an interview or advice. I’m looking forward to getting to know some of the writers I’ve started following.
5 – You only need 10 minutes a day
Time is of the essence, especially when you’re combining writing with full or part time work, commuting, parenthood, home duties, family and friends and all the other responsibilities that plague our day. Making room for social media may not be at the top of your priority list. It definitely is not on mine. But I’ve found that 10 minutes a day can make all the difference. We can all find 10 minutes. I use my time on the train for writing and social media. It’s a little bit everyday that will make all the difference to your career. And because it’s only 10 minutes it’s structured, focused and not time wasteful. I went from 9 to 300+ followers in four weeks by spending about 10 minutes per day on Twitter. Imagine what might happen in four months?
Twitter is still foreign to me. I still grapple with confidence on what to tweet, what to retweet, who to connect with, who to reach out to, and how much self promotion to do. Balance is key. I won’t be shouting buy my book unless there’s a promotion going on, but I will be reading and observing what others are doing, feeling grateful that there’s a community out there, and hoping that someone somewhere will pick up my book, enjoy it, and be willing to promote it. Until then, I’m going to go back to writing and reading more novels, and yes, tweeting about them too.
Do you use Twitter? What do you love and hate about it? Any words of wisdom?
Friday Link Love
It’s been a busy week. A cold week. The Gold Coast felt the cold snap with temperatures reaching 5C in the early morning. Ok, so it’s not as cold as some parts of the world but when you’re used to winter temperature hovering around 10C-15C anything less and you’re feeling frostbite on your fingers and toes.
There’s been lots going on in the world wide web. Here are just a few articles for some weekend reading if you’re interested. Writing, motivation, marketing and more.
Why Smart People Don’t Quit on Horkey Handbook. Gina’s blog is awesome and she always has useful information for freelancers and writers in general. I think this one is a worthy reading for anyone considering quitting their dream.
How To Be A Freelancer While Working Full Time on Fulltime Nomad. There’s some great advice there for anyone trying to juggle freelancing and full time work.
Marketing Advice from a Publishing Pro: Jane Friedman Shares Her Best Tips on Social Media Just for Writers. This one is about a year old but I stumbled on it in search of marketing advice for authors. There’s a wealth of information out there and this one is a worthwhile read.
7 Things Writers Should Stop Wasting Their Time On at Carly Watters. Literally Agent. Procrastination comes with the writing territory and there are some things writers can’t help themselves with. Here are are seven that we probably should give a rest. I know number 3 held me back for years.
How Freelance Article Writers Can Find Facts Fast – And Make Sure They’re True on Make A Living Writing. You want credibility as a freelance writer and that means getting your facts straight. The article gives you the basics and a good place to start when you’re researching your article.
Have you seen anything interesting around the online community? Share it in the comments!