Another interview with
Indie Authors 4-U
Today we are talking to Caroline Gebbie she writes Horror and Suspense.
Tell us a little
about you?
I’m a British writer,
who lives in beautiful South Yorkshire, England with two white boxer dogs, a
husband and a lot of Koi. I’m a qualified accountant, but left my job a few
years ago due to ill health. I now run a couple of businesses with my husband,
and love to write in my spare time.
I love pets so tell
us a little about your dogs? I see a
few ribbons.
I have always had a
dog and as well as writing they are the love of my life. I would say, don’t
tell my husband, but he already knows. I like to compete with them in
competition obedience and recently Rally O. Dogs are great characters and
Boxers doubly so, they give me lots of inspiration and often pop up in my
writing.
Have you always
wanted to be a writer? When did you
start writing?
I have always been a
big reader, even at junior school you would find me with my head in a book. I
loved the black stallion books. Then I was introduced to, and fell in love with
horror and thrillers, the darker the better. At school, the one subject I loved
was English as it gave me the chance to write and to lose myself in my
imagination. I was constantly writing stories, I also wrote to newspapers and
magazines.
Is the book you’re
working on now your first Novel? Is it part of
a series?
I’m working on two
books at the moment. A collection of short stories which all include dogs, these
range from cute to scary, and even the odd poem. Then I’m working on my second
novel a horror/thriller where the youth of a small town are disappearing. This
is written, I just have to do the bit I hate, editing. Flee, my first novel, is
not part of a series but it could be in the future.
What would you like
to tell us about your current book?
I’ve just published a
supernatural thriller called Flee. I really enjoyed working on this book. It’s
a fast paced thriller but I’m told is not for the faint hearted. It came about
because of all the vampire books. I wanted to do something different, in it
immortality has a high price. It follows a girl fleeing for her life when
everyone may have reason to kill her, who should she trust. It has magic,
terror, suspense and even some happy moments.
How did you get into
Self Publishing?
I love writing but
would be too lazy to approach publisher after publisher, a friend pushed me
into putting my books out there and I can’t think of a better way.
Did you learn
anything along the way as you wrote the book?
I learned loads, Flee
was actually the second book I wrote but it needed less work than the first. I
combine reading with writing and you learn all the time, you improve all the
time. Flee also contains magic so I researched a lot for this book.
From start to finish,
how long does it generally take you to write a book?
That depends on how
long I procrastinate. I usually take about a week to outline an idea, then a
month to write, but editing can take me forever, especially if another story is
shouting for me to write it.
What was the hardest
part about the writing process?
Editing, I hate it. I
work with a professional, but even so it is something I put off as long as I
can.
What advice would you
give aspiring writers?
Write, read, write,
read, and repeat forever. Find someone objective that you trust to critique
your work and learn from each critique. But most importantly don’t give in.
For you personally,
what is the best thing about being a writer?
I love to lose myself
in a story but I also love to be able to walk my dogs whenever I want.
Are you learning
anything new even in this stage of your craft?
Absolutely, I
research each book but also you constantly grow as a writer.
If you could change anything about novel what would it be?
I finished two novels
five years ago, but then did nothing with them. If I could change anything it
would be to publish them then.
What can folks expect from this point on? More
novels?
I have two novels
written waiting editing, and more ideas than I could ever write. To quote
Arnie, “I’ll be back.”
What have you learned
lately that might help Authors,
new software, new editing service?
The support on the
internet is brilliant, don’t be afraid to use it. Sites such as Indie Authors
are a great resource, if you get stuck ask. I think the biggest problem new
authors have is fear of getting their work out in public, find a partner who
will critique your work, learn and build up your confidence.
When will you think
as an author that you have arrived?
I hope I always want
to improve but when it pays the bills will be a good milestone.
What did you learn
doing the KDP Select?
Be prepared and
promote your heart out.
What do you think was
the most helpful thing you did during the giveaway?
During the giveaway
I’m not sure, but before it help other authors, build up a network of people
that you have helped and they will help share your book.
What would you not do
again during the giveaway?
Facebook adds.
I'd like to thank Caroline for being with us today. Her book Flee can
currently be found here.
Link from anywhwere
I'd like to thank the bigstock photographers
for their great images.
Javier Brosch
Annette Shaff
Ivan Mikhaylov
Edward Fielding
Steve Pepple
T.A. Byrne
Follow us by clicking on the cute dog.
Samantha Fury is the author of the Street Justice Series
She's written many articles on book covers, for Indie Authors.
She operates several Indie Groups. Editing Services, Cover Artist,
Helpful Indie Facebook Groups, and a wonderful Forum
Susette Williams is a Best Selling Author. She loves writing various genres, both for children and adults. She usually can't resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way. Susette and her husband have six wonderful children, all with intriguing and different personalities, like the characters she creates in her novels.
Jack Foster has illustrated over 25 children's books. He is a Sunday school teacher, art teacher and the father of five terrific children and eleven wonderful grand kids. He lives just outside of Chicago with his lovely wife, dog and cat. Check out his work at www.jacksillustrations.blogspot.com
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