Thursday, October 31, 2013

Writer Interview: Chris van Hakes in the United States


Writer Abroad would like to introduce Chris van Hakes, a pen name for Shalini, the blogger behind Reading and Chickens, who just released her first novel, Lost & Found, which she published independently. Writer Abroad is extra excited about this novel because she went to high school and college with Shalini, back before they both knew they would become writers. Now Shalini joins Writer Abroad to discuss the experience of publishing her first book.

Congrats on publishing your first novel. Could you tell us a little about the premise?

Thank you! My elevator pitch is: Delaney hates Oliver, but not as much as Oliver hates Delaney. So why can't they stay away from each other?

At first it's a bit of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, contemporary-style. The novel starts out with Delaney and Oliver in a meet-cute, absolutely loathing each other. Oliver is a self-centered asshole, and Delaney has the lowest self-esteem, so they're obviously meant for each other. 

I like to think of it as a feminist romance. There are a lot of novels where a man "helps" a woman solve her problems (including Pride and Prejudice), and I wanted Delaney to go from weak to strong on her own (and she does).

You have a literary agent, who is currently shopping around some other book projects of yours. Why did she advise you to publish your first novel independently?

My literary agent and I parted ways this summer (amicably). She was incredibly insightful and I like to say she gave me an MFA in all she taught me about the art of writing. We worked on a YA novel of mine for nine months, and in the end, things just didn't work with the novel. 

I had another novel I was writing at the time, OFFICE CRUSH, that she said was well-written but wouldn't do well traditionally published, and I thought seriously about self-publishing it, but eventually decided against it. I focused all my energies around the YA novel instead.

After the YA novel was off my plate, I didn't really know what to do with my writing career, so I sat around metaphorically chewing my hair for a few months before deciding I wanted to self-publish, and to do something that sold well online, like romance, so I wrote LOST AND FOUND.

You published the novel under a pen name. Can you discuss why? Do you think authors should brand themselves differently based on the genre?

I am also a librarian, and I hope to one day be a school or children's librarian. While my book isn't exactly erotica (not even close), it does have lots of swearing and some sex, and I just wanted to keep those two worlds separate.

I think in the past authors have branded themselves differently by genre, and I can see the advantage, especially if you write both romance and children's lit.

Can you discuss your blog and the importance it has had for you as a writer?

My blog has been SO important. Not only have I met many great people, it gave me writing practice every single day, provided a great community for feedback, and helped me learn the ins and outs of social media. I think every writer should have a blog. If nothing else, it's free advertising, but I don't really think about it that way. I'm not sure the percentage of my readers who bought my novel, but I don't really care. They were cheerleaders, and every writer needs passels of cheerleaders!

How did you find your editor and book cover designer?

Honestly, I was incredibly lucky. My cover designer is a great friend of mine, and she volunteered because she happens to be a web designer by trade. My editor was a beta reader for my YA novel, who happens to also be an editor (who I met through my blog). I liked her notes on my YA novel so much that I asked if I could hire her. That's really no help to the wide world. Sorry!

Book promotion. Writers seem to have to do it whether they publish independently or traditionally. What has been your promotion strategy?

I'm still learning my strategy. I don't think I have one yet. I'm trying out GoodReads ads, and a few other places online, slowly rolling them out so I know what's effective and what's not. That said, so far I think almost all of my sales have been because of word-of-mouth, and BOY do I appreciate it. (See above when I talk about cheerleaders.) I think my other strategy is perseverance. I believe in my novel and my writing skills, and so it's just about finding my audience. I'll get there, whether if it's with this novel or the next one. I feel confident that there are people out there who want to read sweet, smart, well-written love stories about strong women.

Printing actual real books. How did you decide on Amazon’s CreateSpace? Was it easy to use?

I cannot go on enough about how professional and great CreateSpace was. The software is great. The review process is great. The way they get your book in print almost immediately is great. It's a lot tougher than formatting an ebook, because you have to consider gutter margins, font, line spacing, etc., and it took a lot of experimenting, and I wouldn't say it was easy, but I think that's just the nature of formatting for print. I think the final product is amazing.

Based on your experience so far, do you think you would publish again independently? Why or why not?

I'm only a week into it so far, so I think I need a little more time to decide. I really like being able to set my own timeline, and have control over my cover, and the great royalty rates, but if a traditional publishing house wanted to sink lots of money into me, I wouldn't be saying no!

I don't know that traditional publishers are great for first-time unknown authors any longer, though. If you go to a trade show, or look at the books being marketed by any of the US Big 5, they promote their biggest authors and throw all the money behind them. Smaller authors don't get much. 

As a capitalist, I understand this strategy completely, and if I were in book marketing, I'd do the same thing. It's hard to be on the other side of it, though, as understanding as I am. Agents and authors do SO MUCH work, and get paid so little, and the prices of traditionally published books are so much higher. I really enjoy having a book for 2.99. I'd feel guilty if readers had to pay 9.99 for an ebook copy, but it has to be priced that high to pay for all the marketing, publicity, etc., that I'm doing for free.

And those of you without agents so far--agents make even less than the author on deals so they're definitely on authors' sides in every sense. Something has to change, and I think self-publishing is making that happen. Self-publishers are learning, too, to not undercut the market by selling books for nothing, and how to put out a great product and make a name for ourselves that it's not all weird erotica or badly edited clichés. We're professionals, too, and I think LOST AND FOUND is the best work I've done so far. I've gotten a lot of "I couldn't put it down!" comments, and I'm extremely happy with that! I have a lot to learn, as does every writer, traditionally published or not, but I think my novel is a testament that quality exists in the self-publishing world.

 There has to be a medium where the public can appreciate art widely, and artists can actually survive doing what they love, and get better at it. Right now traditional publishers don't have the resources to support all the writers out there, and I think indie publishing is helping close this disparity.

Most of all, indie publishing is, at this point, low-risk. What's the harm of trying to write and sell? It's a great learning experience, and I'm so glad I'm doing it. I'm learning to be my own cheerleader, too, because I believe in my skills as a novelist so much more now that I have to self-promote and not just sit in a writing cave and think of great jokes and
metaphors. 

I think much more now in terms of pacing and plot and what people like to read, as well as what I want to write. I think about what people say in my reviews, and how I can change that for future novels, or keep what people have loved. It's definitely helping me be a better writer, all around.

Yes, I want to purchase Lost & Found on amazon.
Yes, I want to purchase Lost & Found on the Nook (Only US).
Yes, I want to check out Reading and Chickens for more on the writing life (and just plain life).

41 comments:

  1. Article publishing expertise occur normally in certain although can also be designed by way of reading extensively and ingesting this articles and language as quality custom essay check my site used by specialist copy writers. Skimming over the every day classifieds might help with strengthening your own publishing expertise at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. People aren't sure no matter whether for you to utilize a great content writer as well as an copywriter to post the white paper order college papers from poweredessays.com your white paper is often a cross between the magazine article a good brochure.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If small and squared from, it will be fraudulent. That lastly part is without a doubt to verify that albhabets belonging to the louis vuitton replica custom logo design which can be stitched in the once again can be attractive and even unwanted weight. Moreover, cause them to become in the right way chilled additionally, the “E” notably is simply not too much removed from that “K. ”The 6th part will require chanel 1115 bags that Swoosh symbols. It is recommended the fact that the Swoosh in the Nike Skate boarding Dunks is without a doubt neither of the 2 at the same time coarse or at the same time small. Moreover, be skeptical generally if the sewing fails to mattress line best under the sides belonging to the Swoosh. That 7th and even previous part is without a doubt to visit that bottoms. replica handbags Nike SB Dunks contain each of those “Nike” additionally, the Swoosh with their individual enlisted brand significance (N designed for enlisted). You’ll acquire a lot of these carved inside the only real belonging to the nike Dunk SB best with the mid-position. Generally if the N logo additionally, the images typically are not around the equivalent louis vuitton replica, then simply it's really a for sure symptom you may be storing reproductions. With a little luck next occasion one get plenty, you’ll consider these suggestions allowing it to promptly figure out your own home Nike SB Dunks is the realistic gucci replica. To start with final thoughts could very well trigger accident and achieving success especially available universe.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love it! one day I had to write an essay,but as you have understood,not even a minute was spent on it.Fortuntely,my friend advised me this essay writing website and i was surprised at their professional level and available price.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Get a help with your study at best online essay writing services . Here anyone can order well-written essays 24/7.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wish to has valuable posts like yours in my blog. How do you find these posts? And what about professional paper writing services ? Do you know any good?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Student life may be very difficult. If you have some problems with your writing assignments, you can always put your trust in professional writers. Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! I know interesting site where you can get for a good price professional written essay.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is cool interwiew. There are a lot of novels where a man "helps" a woman solve her problems. But most staggered me LOST AND FOUND. I believe in my skills as a novelist - say author. And i completely agree! Success could be reached by using very simple options. When you buy an essay, you do simple academic steps on solving problems

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi-hi))) Great post. It is good that you shared it here. I want to advise you to check the services of one online writing service. online writing company is an online service dedicated to writing academic papers for college and university students.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for good interview.
    By the way, every student can find a lot of useful information about essay writing here.

    ReplyDelete
  12. As a capitalist, I understand this strategy completely, and if I were in book marketing, I'd do the same thing. It's hard to be on the other side of it, though, as understanding as I am. Agents and authors do SO MUCH work, and get paid so little, and the prices of traditionally published books are so much higher. I really enjoy having a book for 2.99. I'd feel guilty if readers had to pay 9.99 for an ebook copy, but it has to be priced that high to pay for all the marketing, publicity, etc., that I'm doing for free.
    Essay online Service

    ReplyDelete
  13. Now learners can earn a degree or certificate from recognized American universities. These universities are offering many online courses and programs, accredited life experience degree is an online program which is based on your previous life or work knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The situation that a great number of students time to time need ask for an efficient assistance from qualified writers is caused by the fact that many students are lack of good writing knowledge. In order to solve this problem i recommend to turn to custom essay writing. Students will be satisfied with the results they get.

    ReplyDelete
  15. i think i will read this book later.its name itself sound interesting for me.But i am busy a bit with writing an essay. Here i want to order it online.Best-essay-writers.org introduced its services with one clear goal - to deliver high quality services that will correspond to the your expectations

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow! Thanks for this interesting interview. I found here so many interesting and informative stuff. I like her books and her writing style. I think I will be back later to find more interesting interviews from you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You know, sometimes has to change and self publishing is making that happen. Self-publishers are learning, too, to not undercut the market by selling books for nothing, and how to put out a great product and make a name. Click here for essay writing service.

    ReplyDelete
  18. For a 87% of students have a lot if problems with writing tasks! It is very hard and very bory task, that is why, very important to find and use only quality writing offers! That is why, I want to recommend the best service at http://buy-custom-writings.com! They help you to relax and spend your time for yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello! Would you like to get professional custom writing help? Feel free to buy research papers online =)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Whether you accomplish jam, broil biscuits, affiliate scarves, pot plants, address out recipes, booty photos and anatomy them, or abridge little allowance baskets (so abundant cheaper than affairs them), you can save a fortune. What's more, you attending as admitting you absolutely care. Anybody knows that in this day and age our time is our best adored commodity. People will acknowledge yours. Analysis out sites such as Etsy, and Active Creatively for inspiration.

    payday loans chicago

    ReplyDelete
  21. Pleasant write-up. When I seemed to be verifying consistently your blog in addition to my business is fascinated! Particularly helpful information exclusively one more aspect When I attend to like facts lots. When I seemed to be trying to find these facts intended for many, many years. At this point simply click here check cashing Appreciate it in addition to enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. In truth tough diligence with the complete website. folks sort of a person’s durable diligence concerning and is probably going to vacation getaway created for much a lot of website by victimization completely everybody chiefly as a result of site contributed our neighbors satisfaction and provides mere helps you try precise correct occupation in spite of everything this. Recently take a glance Cash Advance many thanks plenty created for wonderful review.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have just reached out this website while surfing over the internet. You have shared very useful content which i like reading.Keep up your good work webstagram

    ReplyDelete
  24. When you do not know what is residual income, but still decide to start a business, chances are that you will make some mistakes regarding expenses and investments that might cost you more than you can imagine. Opt for the help of a CRM system that comes with ISO retention tools to benefit from all the assistance you might require.

    http://newsstoryarticles.edublogs.org/2019/09/24/what-is-residual-income-and-how-can-you-manage-it-better/

    ReplyDelete
  25. great article, I was very impressed about it, wish you would have stayed next share.
    Cheap Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jika anda sering main poker online pasti tau 'kan dengan Provider IDN Poker, pernah ga sih anda bertanya-tanya apa keuntungan yang didapat jika main di IDN Poker ? nah kebetuklan blog poker ninja ini

    ReplyDelete
  28. IDN poker situs judi dengan permainan judi terlengkap seperti Ceme online, omaha, poker online dan masih banyak lagi permainan judi yang lengkap dan bisa menguntungkan anda dengan uang asli setiap hari dengan pelayanan terbaik yang bisa mendukung semua pemain bermain dengan lancar dan aman setiap hari dengan deposit bisa melalui Bank lokal dan E-wallet yang bisa mempermudah anda untuk melakukan deposit.
    https://challenges.openideo.com/profiles/juraganbacklink

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for nice information 😊
    Visit Mywebsite :
    https://journal.uhamka.ac.id/index.php/rektek/index

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails