Hey all:
This week’s guest post is by another alumni of Creative Reviews, no less than Beth Ann Masarik. She has recently brought out Prince of Darkness, part of her trilogy The World Among Us. So all you fantasy / romance fans, take a look at her interview below and be aware that she’s going to do a giveaway- there will be a couple of great prizes, all to be had for a simple comment below.
I leave you in Beth’s capable hands!
JAC
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Name: Beth Ann Masarik
Author of: The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness
Genre/s: Young Adult/Fantasy (Urban Fantasy)
P- or e-book: All formats…paperback, hardcover, and e-book
Available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords & Otherworld Publications
One-sentence summary: The World Among Us is a Young Adult/Fantasy Trilogy that has plenty of Greek Mythology & Vampire lore, and of course, forbidden love.
One-sentence biog: I love to write, read and role play.
Links to your Blog / Twitter / FB / other:
The World Among Us Fanpage,
My Author fanpage
Twitter accounts:
@theworldamongus &
@literarylunes
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When you write, do you have a routine or habit?
I usually like to write in my bed, with my pajamas on, and the music blasting in the background. I usually listen to something fast beat. This is going to sound weird, but I like to try to write to the beat of the music. Does anyone else do that? I also usually have either a glass of Pepsi or mom’s homemade iced tea & a bag of chips with me when I write.
What kicks off the book – a character, a situation, a plot-point?
Usually a situation is what kicks off my books.
Do you plan the plot or follow it as it unfolds? How much do you know in advance?
I usually do very little planning. I like to have set goals or situations that have to happen in each book I write. Otherwise, I usually just let my characters write the books, and I dictate. Sometimes, however, my characters tend to sidetrack, and I have to get them back on track and plot a little bit.
Do you write character notes or background information?
Yes! That is mostly what I plot. It’s how I get to know my characters.
Do you do research and how?
It depends on the topic I am writing about, but yes, I do research. I usually browse the internet for said topic, and keep looking until I find whatever it is I am looking for.
Do your characters do as you intend or do they tend to run away with the plot?
My main characters are generally good with doing what I want them to. However, once in a while they tend to get off track.
Do you have clear visuals of places or characters?
Most of the time, yes I do. It’s getting that vision into words that’s the problem sometimes.
When you have writer’s block, what do you do?
When I have writer’s block, I usually put the book down for however long I need to, and read. I usually read books in the genre I write in, and after a while, something I read or see in real life will spark an idea. I find that going to church is actually a good place to get inspiration from. I often find myself zoning out of the homily’s after the gospel during mass, and entering the thoughts of my characters. It’s a nice escape I have to say (especially if the sermon is really boring lol)
What made you decide to write this story?
I’ve always been into the fantasy world, and love vampires and witches (not so much werewolves). It was one of those stories that once I got the idea for it, it just HAD to be written.
What element did you start with and how did it develop?
I started out with knowing the last ¼ of The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness, and developed the story around it. It sounds complicated, and I guess you could say I kind of wrote the book backwards, but it developed nicely (I think).
Did anything change substantially along the way?
Sometimes something that started as a detail suddenly becomes a plot point. Have you had that happen and what was it (if it would not be a spoiler to say)? I am sure that I have, but to be honest, I can’t remember a specific detail. (there are just too many).
Do you have a favorite character or place?
I hate being asked about my favorite character lol. It’s like being asked if you have a favorite child. I love them all. In terms of a favorite place, I would have to say Mount Olympus. You don’t get to visit it much in Prince of Darkness, but you will get to see why it’s my favorite in Stormy Nights.
Are any of your characters / places / situations based on real life?
Some of the places are loosely based off of places that I frequently visit in real life. IE, Holly Oak University is based off the college I went to, and Port Washington is a real town in NY. It’s in Nassau County, Long Island.
What are your views on self-publishing?
If you have what it takes, go for it! I self-publish my magazine called Literary Lunes (www.literarylunes.com), so I know that it’s a lot of hard work, and can be very frustrating if you don’t know what you are doing. BUT if you have the time and patience, then by all means, all the more power to you!
What are your views on e-books?
I think e-books are great and convenient for traveling, but, I still prefer to hold the actual book in my hand.
Do you have / are you considering getting an e-reader?
I actually just received an e-reader for Christmas from my fiancé. I received the Nook Color J.
Did you have your cover made / work edited / proofed by someone else?
My cover was designed by someone that Otherworld hired. James from JE Ellis Design designed it.
What do you do to market your book?
I talk about it all the time on facebook, twitter etc. I have a fanpage on facebook (www.facebook.com/theworldamongus), and my twitter handle is also the title of my book @theworldamongus. This way, whenever someone sees the name, they are always thinking or talking about my book (even when they don’t realize it!)
Are you on any social media? Which do you prefer?
I am on too many social media websites. I am on so many, that I can barely keep up with them all. I personally prefer facebook & twitter as opposed to myspace, however.
What has proved your most successful marketing method so far?
Networking sites such as facebook, twitter, and Goodreads. They are MUST HAVES, especially for new authors. Blogging is also proving to be successful as well.
Have you read and enjoyed any other indie authors? Who / what book?
I’m honestly only just starting with reading some Indie authors, and the one that I just read was called Legacy of the Highlands by Harriet Schultz. It’s a new, romantic thriller that has you on the edge of your seat right to the very end. It was out of my normal genre (YA/Fantasy), so it took me a chapter or two to really get into it. BUT once I got into it, I was hooked. I will be writing a review for it on www.literarylunespublications.blogspot.com over the next week.
Have you any tips for other authors?
Be kind to your fans & readers. If you’re on a pedestal, step down. No one likes a stuck up author. Be humble. If someone takes the time out to review your book, be sure to thank them, or pay it forward. If you received a bad review, take it with a grain of salt. Remember, a review is ONLY ONE PERSON’S OPINION.
Which book review sites do you read?
I honestly try to avoid reading book review websites BUT I absolutely ADORE everyone that has been participating on my tour. It’s hard to pick just one.
Which review sites have reviewed your book?
Too many to list. If you take a look at the tour list on www.bethannmasarik.com or www.bahbammymusings.wordpress.com you will get an idea of who’s reviewed me.
Are there any resources you have found really useful?
Goodreads is a goldmine for authors, writers, and yes, even readers. It’s a great way to connect with your fans and the general audience. There are lots of great books out there, and Goodreads is a great resource to finding them.
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Many thanks to Beth for the interview, and now for the giveaway – Beth has kindly offered prizes for you! There will be the chance to win an ebook, a fanclub Tshirt and possibly a mug, which could be yours! To enter, please leave a comment below…. and if you know other fantasy / romance fans, please let them know as well!
Thanks to Beth for this great opportunity;
JAC
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