Spotlight on author Peter Giglio "A Spark in the Darkness"

I invited author Peter Giglio to talk about his work and his latest book "A Spark In The Darkness" and here's what he had to say...

Tell me 3 things about yourself using words beginning with D  : 

Determined. Distinct. Diligent.

Tell me 3 things about your novella using words beginning with L  : 

Literate. Lively. Lean.

How long did it take you to write A Spark in the Darkness?

The first draft took two weeks. I spent two weeks editing it, then I submitted it one month after starting the project. A Spark in the Darkness came at the end of a very prolific run for me.

How long have been writing for? 

I wrote a lot as a kid, then all the way through college. Then I did the unthinkable, I stopped. Didn’t write a lick of prose from 22-37. Two years ago I started again, this time with a vengeance. Haven’t looked back. Won’t look back. This is who I am.

Have you always wrote or wanted to write speculative fiction? And why?

Hard to say. I have a wide range of interests. Most of the ideas I had when I wasn’t writing would have fallen into the literary fiction category. I sometimes kept notes, but never executed on my visions. When I started writing again everything came out horror. I’ve always loved speculative fiction, but I’d like to tell a long story that takes place entirely in the real world. I’ve sold a couple short stories that—while horror— are completely believable. I think there will come I time when realistic fiction wins me over. I’m just having too much fun right now.  

What was your most valuable lesson learned whilst writing A Spark in the Darkness?

Less is more. I could have developed A Spark in the Darkness into a novel. When I looked at the first draft, I tried to find ways to expand the story. But then I realized the story was exactly as long as it needed to be. And I realized there was a bigger story beyond this one. That’s when I realized I’d just written a prequel to a trilogy not yet written.

If life is a highway what sort of transport are you taking? 

The Bluesmobile. “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.”

What is your all time favorite novel / movie / song?? 

Favorite novel – Ubik by Philip K. Dick

Favorite movie – The Godfather

Favorite song – “To Look At You” by INXS

These days, authors have to be self promoters as well. How has your experience been learning the business of marketing? Good or bad? Takes up too much time?

Things that I’m sure will work sink like stones. And the things I least expect response from bear fruit. I spent more than 10 years working in marketing. But book marketing is new territory. There are still lots of people buying books, but they have more choices than ever. Trying to find one’s market is never a waste of time. Otherwise, I’d end up writing for myself and my cats. And they scare easily; I don’t think horror’s their bag. My theory is this: Do everything! And pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes it feels like it takes up too much time, but without marketing I wouldn’t take breaks from my writing and editing. And I think writers need to do this to stay fresh. Also, I get feedback from others: what they like, what they don’t like. And I get to make friends. I’ve been fortunate to form a slew of friendships, and later this year I get to meet several of my virtual friends at AnthoCon. I get to shake their hands, hoist a few drinks with them, and work with them to promote our works.  If I hadn’t built the network I have, which is part of the marketing process, I wouldn’t have this experience to look forward to. I think marketing, if done right, enhances one’s writing, keeps us humble, and allows us to make valuable connections. So I like the new trend. I’d also love it if one of my publishers bought ad space in the NY Times and got my titles into brick and mortar stores. But I wouldn’t stop promoting/marketing even if I had this kind of platform.

Do you work a day job? If so, what support do you get from your family (if any) and how do you make time for writing? 

I work for Evil Jester Press as the Executive Editor. That’s my day job. But, no, I don’t have an 8-5 office job anymore. I quit a good job in August 2010 to focus on my literary dreams. This is a decision I’ll never regret. I don’t have the kind of disposable income I used to. But I’m happier than I’ve ever been. More than half my office life was spent in management. I had some great experiences, worked with some wonderful people, but it wasn’t me.

Writing these days is a very competitive business. If you found the secret formula to writing and selling a best seller, would you take the secret to your grave or would you share it?

Hard to say. If everyone knew the secret then the secret would no longer be relevant, right? It’s simple math, not everyone can be a bestselling author. And who’s to say that the secret for me would be the secret for someone else. I share the things I learn with others, so I guess I’d share the secret. But it’s like a recipe. My grandmother made the best pies in the world. People who follow her recipe to the letter make good pies. But they aren’t as good as Grandma’s. Stephen King has shared all his secrets. Heck, I’ve read his memoir On Writing several times. But that doesn’t mean my work’s gonna sell like his.

Do you plan your novels? If so, do you use an existing formula or did you create your own style?

It’s always my own style. And yes, I plan. I write outlines. But the process always changes depending on the work. I just keep an open mind.

Did you do any creative writing or editing courses? And if so, did the course/s help? 

Other than the courses in college I’ve never taken a course in writing/editing. I do read a lot of books about writing and editing, however, and they help a great deal.

Were you an e-book reader prior to getting published by Etopia Press? And if not, are you now a convert? 

I acquired an iPad two weeks before my acceptance with Etopia Press. Before that I occasionally read eBooks on my laptop. I still love actual books and read them often. But eBooks are terrific for travel. Also, the iPad lights up in the dark. So I can read before bed without the lamp on. I’ve learned to love eBooks, but print books will always be my true love.

Are the rest of your hobbies creative as well and if so, have you always been creative?

I’ve always been creative. As a kid I drew and painted all the time. I still like to doodle little cartoons. I try to add a splash of creativity to everything I do, even my marketing efforts.

Is A Spark in the Darkness  a part a series? If so, how many books do you see being released?

I’m planning a full-length novel sequel to A Spark in the Darkness. It’s called The Jewel of Eternity. I know there’s at least one more story to tell involving the characters in Spark. But I’m hopeful that the novella will spawn a trilogy. It all comes down to demand. If people want the books, I’ll write them. I want to write them.

Are any of your books based on any real experiences in your life?

I pull from real life all the time. But I have a very active imagination. As a writer of speculative fiction, I like asking the question “What if?” This allows me to take every day events and blow them into crazy things. I like to think that beneath all the action there’s a lot of truth in my work. 

WHAT THE REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT PETER GIGLIO...

"A Spark in the Darkness has put the bite back in the vampire tale." - Joe McKinney
"Peter Giglio is a downright scary new voice in horror." -Amy Wallace, #1 NY Times Bestselling author
"Help! Wanted is a rollicking, creepy, crazy, and thoroughly unnerving collection of work-related horror stories by the cream of today's horror crop. Each story is as stingingly fresh as a razor cut!" - Jonathan Maberry

Spotlight on Brinda Berry, YA author “The Waiting Booth”

A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal...

Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High—find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...

Buy links: 

Amazon            Barnes & Noble        Kobo Books
Etopia Press    All Romance eBooks        Borders Online

D L Richardson on “The Waiting Booth”

I started reading this book and found I couldn’t put it down. Brinda has a nice, steady pace to her writing that keeps the pages turning and the excitement mounting. The suspense was well done. Throughout the book I knew there was someone I couldn’t trust, but I didn’t know who till the very end, which left me nicely surprised.

Book One introduces Mia, an independent girl who already has enough drama in her life, yet she attracts more when she accidentally discovers an interdimensional portal. Her brother is missing and travellers from this portal lure her into helping them find the bad guys by promising to help her find her missing brother. Along the way Mia is thrust head first into more than one dangerous situation. I found myself rooting for her to come out of these experiences unscathed because she is an easy to like character and I became slightly protective of her. There is more to come on “The Waiting Booth” story and I look forward to reading about Mia’s attempt to track down her brother when Brinda’s second book in the series is released.

Interview with the author

To get to know you better, tell me 3 things about yourself using words beginning with D  : 

I'm a daydreamer, deliberate, and durable.  I think these show the conflicting sides of my nature. From the time I was a kid, I would dream up stories. If I wrote down every scene I thought about, I'd be sitting in a room piled high with my own manuscripts.  On the other hand, I do have the practical side. I'm a list maker. I'm deliberate about what needs to be done to accomplish a goal, and then I set about doing it.  I'm also durable. I think of myself as a strong person.

To get to know your novel better, tell me 3 things about your novel using words beginning with L  : 

Three L words come to mind when I think about The Waiting Booth: loyalty, laughter, and love. The main character, Mia, is very loyal to her family and friends. This is one of her best character traits. Personally, I enjoy being around people who make me laugh. Mia has several upbeat friends who each have a great sense of humor. Last, Mia's not the type who falls for every guy who comes along, so she’s not experienced in the love department. As a matter-of-fact, she’s never even had a boyfriend. So, romantic feelings are a new thing for her.

How long have been writing for? 

Fifteen years ago, I wrote a romance book and began querying agents and publishers. I became disillusioned with that process and gave up. Two years ago, I decided to do it right. I took classes on the writing craft and business and wrote The Waiting Booth.

Have you always wrote or wanted to write YA fiction? And why?

I'm interested in many different genres. If you look at my Goodreads list, you will see that my taste varies. I must admit that Twilight renewed my interest in YA. After reading Stephenie Meyer's books, I couldn't stop reading YA. There are some talented authors writing terrific YA. I love the themes and deep emotions conveyed in so many YA books.

What was your most valuable lesson learned whilst writing The Waiting Booth?

When you write THE END, you are not finished.

What is your all time favorite YA novel? 

That is truly a difficult question. I think my answer might change every year. Last year, I loved Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl. Last month, I read Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.  I cried like a baby over that book. Sorry…I can’t pick just one.

These days, authors have to be self promoters as well. How has your experience been learning the business of marketing? Good or bad? Takes up too much time?

I love technology and so many promotional tools are easy for me to learn as far as the mechanics go. I do my own website, engage in Twitter, post on Facebook. It does take A LOT of time. The hardest part is coming out of my shell because I'm basically a shy person. I also don't have enough hours in the day. Most authors are in the same situation that I'm in with a job and family responsibilities.

You work a day job as well as write. What support do you get from your family (if any) and how do you make time for writing? 

Between my job and commute, I'm away from home 11.5 hours a day.  I'm lucky that my husband is super supportive of my writing. He has resigned himself to being the primary cook in our house. My son attends college, so I don’t have children at home. Also, I do the bulk of my writing on the weekends.

Writing these days is a very competitive business. If you found the secret formula to writing and selling a best seller, would you take the secret to your grave or would you share it?

I'd share it. I feel very blessed that so many authors have shared knowledge about the industry with me. There's no way I couldn't return the favor.

The cover art to The Waiting Booth is gorgeous. I take it you’re happy with it. Is it what you imagined? Better than hoped for?

It is better than I imagined. Cover art is so important. Your reader needs to notice your book. I don't know how Amanda Kelsey took the descriptions I wrote on a form and translated it into the perfect cover. She is amazing.

Do you plan your novels? If so, do you use an existing formula or did you create your own style?

Yes, I planned The Waiting Booth on a spreadsheet and outlined each chapter. For Book 2, I didn't outline to the same detail. I'm evolving and learning about what works for me. I need a little structure, but I don't want to feel guilty if I stray off course.

Did you do any creative writing or editing courses prior to writing The Waiting Booth? And if so, did the course/s help? 

Yes, I'm a course junkie. I belong to several writers’ groups, and they all offer wonderful courses. I've had to stop myself from signing up for a course when I don't have enough time to do it justice. Did I mention that I taught English in the past? No? You would think that qualifies anyone to write stellar fiction, but it doesn’t.

Were you an e-book reader prior to getting published by Etopia Press? And if not, are you now a convert? 

My husband bought me an iPad for Christmas in 2010 and that's when I converted. I signed with Etopia Press a few months later.

The Waiting Booth is Book One in a series. How many books do you see being released?

I recently completed the second book, and I’m starting the third in the Whispering Woods series. That is all I have planned at this time.

How did you come up with the title to The Waiting Booth?

In my commute to work each day, I pass a red, wooden structure at the end of a long driveway. My curiosity about the “waiting booth” led to imagining the history for it. I’m sure that it was built for the owner’s children to wait for the school bus as I live in a rural area.

Is The Waiting Booth based on any real experiences in your life?

Authors always borrow things from real life. I think that is inevitable. Do I have a portal near my house in the woods? Um, I don’t think so.  *wink*  I will say that the main character, Mia,  reminds me a lot of one of my nieces and my son. Mia is a gamer and techie like my son. She’s also laid-back, funny, and strong like my niece.

Check out more at Brinda Berry's website www.brindaberry.com

Tip of the week. Avoid adverbs! They will undoubtedly and surely bog down your wonderfully and beautifully written prose.

Catch ya!D L

Release Day - The Bird with the Broken Wing

 It's 6.30am and I have just finished my first cup of coffee (There will be more after the celebratory bottle of champers was consumed last night). I'm too excited to sleep. My debut novel is released and I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. Fifteen years of hard work and this dream is realised. I'm still so amazed. A big thank you, thank you, thank you!! to everyone who has believed in me. You've kept driving me to prove you right (or wrong if that's the case). And it's available at the bargain price of $5.99. Catcha

ABOUT THE BOOK...

THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING

When mortals make mistakes they’re forgiven.

When angels make mistakes they’re forsaken.

Angels may not reveal themselves to mortals.

But when the mortal Rachael’s watching over is hurting, how can she stay hidden in the shadows?

Guardian angel Rachael becomes trapped with the mortal she’s been assigned to watch over. Unable to watch him suffer, she decides the only way to free him of his inner demons is to break the rules about becoming involved, revealing her true identity, and applying divine intervention. But what choice does she have? Without her help, his soul will be trapped forever. Then a stranger appears, giving Rachael reason to wonder if his is the only soul in need of saving...

BUY THE BOOK...

Format                 e-book

Length                  Novel

Publisher            Etopia Press

Price                     $5.99 US

Genre                   Young Adult Fantasy

Available online at:

Amazon.com        Barnes and Noble       OmniLit        Kobo Books    Amazon.co.uk

 

Note that www.etopia-press.net etopia is rebuilding its website but you can still buy me book from the great sites listed above

If you love reading...

8 days till release of my debut YA paranormal novel The Bird With The BrokenWing!!! Send me an email if you need me to nag you and send you a personal invite on the day. You may get a free autographed postcard for your troubles.

Anyway,  I've been doing research for the release and I've come across some wonderful reading/book review sites worth a mention. Check them out if you love reading. You can sign up to their newsletters, enter contests, read reviews. There is a whole other world of books out there. In Australia we'd be lucky to get 10% of what's on offer on the bookshelves. These sites are also great if you're a YA writer looking for a place to get your book reviewed.

Bitten By Books 

I love the artwork on the Bitten by Books website. As far as content goes it covers reviews, giveaways, author services, and their community forum The Blood Bank. This website is totally geared towards fans of paranormal and is one of my personal faves.

Teen Reads

The great thing about this site is their Ultimate Reading List. Close to 400 titles that they believe are perfect choices for reading and discussing. They looked at the student reading list for schools and decided there were better books than what was listed. They review all genres of YA books.

Dark Fairie Tales

Another website aimed at paranormal YA fiction. With over 2,600 followers it's proof that paranormal fiction is a sought after genre! Loads of reviews, interviews, totally sexy covers and giveaways. Another of my personal faves.

Book Hounds

Almost 3,000 followers to this site. Features all genres of YA and adult reading. Authors can submit books for review, interviews, reviews, giveaways. A huge fan of dogs so it's got to be a good friend to readers and writers alike.

Dog

While we're on the subject of dogs, here is my pooch Teeka. Whenever I need a break from writing and I need to think through a plot, Teeka is ever willing to come for a walk with me. I clear my head. She clears her bladder. What a team.

Quote of the week: "Some day I shall be President." Abraham Lincoln.

Go forth and chase your dreams. I did and look where it got me.

Till next time.
D L Richardson

Commonly asked publishing questions

Ever since I announced to my family and friends that I was getting a book published the two most often asked questions have been:

Does the author do the artwork?

No. Publishers have a team of illustrators and artists just as they have a team of writers and editors. Besides, I could never have created anything as beautiful as the cover art for TBWTBW, by Eithne O Hanlon because I use words to tell the story and Eithne uses images. She's done an amazing job and I am forever grateful to her.

Did you have to pay to get your book published?

No. Etopia Press is a publisher of ebooks and I get paid royalties. And no, I don’t have to pay for editing or artwork either. This is the real deal. BTW - Authors who self publish have to do everything at their own cost.  I once had a guy go on and on about how he wanted to write a book one day and how he’d self publish it so he had total control of the project. I have to say that working with everyone at Etopia Press has been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling moments of my life.

The length of a novel

The average movie runs between one and half and two hours. The average song length is three to four minutes. Obviously, research has gone into figuring out how long the human attention span is - I'd say it's somewhere between a gold fish and a cat - to determine when an audience tunes out.

Most debut novels are a certain length. YA novels are between 35,000 and 70,000 words. Adult books somewhere between 80,000 and  120,000 words. Obviously publishers have done some research into how long a book should ideally be. But is this a guide that even successful authors should stick to?

For example. I've been trying to read Dean Koontz "The Face" for months now and I feel as if I'm on slo-mo. I love Dean Koontz but I'm finding this book is bogged down with intricate detail that as a reader I want to skim over. I don't care about the finer details of a tree or that he can describe rain on multiple levels. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and I'm happy for an author to tell it like it is. On an update, when I got to the ending I was blown away and my faith in Koontz as a great storyteller was affirmed. But what if I'd reached the final page and it had been a let down? Or worse, what if it didn't end and was part of a series. I think this is the reason I prefer standalone books to series.

So back to the perfect length. There are heaps of authors who write snappy first novels, then they become famous and it's like they get a creative licence to tell an incredibly long story that would be more interesting if it was the short version. Maybe I've become a product of the instant society. Or maybe I don't like creative control gone awry. Maybe I need to be stranded  on a deserted island these days in order to appreciate reading again. I like that last choice.

Anyway, the length of a book is detemined by the time it takes to tell the story.

Catcha!

D L

The best book artwork - Eithne O'Hanlon

Here is a look at the cover art for my debut YA paranormal novel The Bird with the Broken Wing. Wow, it's beautiful. The expected release date is very soon. Cover art is by Eithne O'Hanlon and she is amazing. Check out her artwork. http://www.facebook.com/#!/nianluain 

The Bird with the Broken Wing is available as an ebook from Etopia Press. Stay tuned for more details...