Sunday, November 17, 2013

Author Interview – Shirleen Davies @ShirleenDavies #Harder

What else do you do to make money?
I’m the managing owner/partner in a consulting firm based in Southern California. We work with small and mid-cap businesses. The company was founded in 1999 and is doing very well. My goal is to take a reduced role over the next few years so that I may concentrate on my writing.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
United States history. I’ve always loved history and had planned to major in it in college. Instead I studied business, and now have a master’s in business. Writing gives me the chance to get back to subjects that I’ve enjoyed all my life and include them in my stories.
How do you write?
I use a laptop and write at a desk or my dining room table where I have a beautiful view of the mountains. I just upgraded to a new laptop with Windows 8. My editor swears I’ll love it once I get used to it.
How much sleep do you need to be at your best?
Seven to eight hours. I wish I could be one of those people who functions coherently on five or six, but it’s just not meant to be.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing. Tell us about our marketing campaign.
It is a multi-pronged approach that includes (1) reaching out to readers who have enjoyed my previous books and offering some of them an ARC in return for an honest review, (2) updating my Amazon Author page with each new book, (3) scheduling book tours and blog blasts such as the one setup through Orangeberry Book Tours, (4) participation on solo reader blogs that have shown on interest in my books, (5) scheduling free promo spots on various reader sites, (6) scheduling select paid promo spots on readers sites, (7) posting release announcements on all my social media sites and the groups within them that accept promo postings, (8) making sure that banners are up to date with current book covers and descriptions, (9) repeat steps (4) through (8) as needed. My social media consultant, Diane Lebow, setup a contest for the release of Faster than the Rest, and it went very well. I’m considering doing that for book four, Stronger than the Rest, along with all the other steps above.
Tell us about your new book. What’s it about and why did you write it?
My latest book is Harder Than The Rest, Book 3 in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series. This book focuses on Will MacLaren and his search for vengeance after the murder of his wife and unborn child. It is the story of heartache, vengeance, love, and redemption, all set against the rugged backdrop of 1880s Arizona and Colorado.
When you are not writing, how do you relax?
There many other things I like to do but it’s often hard to pull myself away from writing. Spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, dancing, exercising, target shooting, fishing, traveling, and being the backseater on my husband’s motorcycle are a few of the activities that keep me sane.
How often do you write, and when do you write?
I write as often as I can, but at a minimum, I try for 1000 words per day—my preference is to write 1500-2000 words per day. My most productive time is morning to early afternoon right after I’ve reviewed and responded to emails that need immediate attention.
Have you met any people in the industry who have really helped you?
My editor, Regge Episale, my social media expert, Diane Lebow, have been a tremendous help along with several industry people I have meet through LinkedIn groups.
What’s your favorite meal?
My husband cooks rack of lamb, lobster and Caesar salad for special occasions or when the whim hits. He finishes the lobster on the BBQ. Salmon with his honey glaze is also another favorite
What movie do you love to watch?
There are several I can watch over and over: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Red and Red 2 (those guys are just too funny), Expendables and Expendables 2—you’re probably getting that my real love is action movies, and you’d be correct. Just about any Alfred Hitchcock or John Wayne movie works for me also.
How do you feel about social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they a good thing?
I have active sites on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn. I believe a strong social media presence is essential to establish your network. and connect with other readers and authors. Like anyone, I have a love/hate relationship with a couple of the sites, but overall, they’re a great way to meet new people in a way that is entertaining, educational, and eye-opening.
Harder Than The Rest
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Western Historical Romance
Rating – PG-13
More details about the author and the book
Connect with Shirleen Davies on Facebook & Twitter

1 comments:

  1. Thanks very much for sponsoring my book on your blog today. It's a challenge for authors to gain support and get the message out to the reading public. Your support goes a long way in making this happen!

    So far the feedback on Harder than the Rest has been beyond my expectations. I love to receive feedback and I'm happy to reply to any comments posted by your readers.
    Best to you!

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