Using Pinterest as an Author Platform - Thursdays with the Author

Pinterest

One word and you're already expecting to get lost pinning hundreds of ideas for hours at a time. 

It's that addicting. 

So why aren't more authors using it?

Maybe because they're getting just as lost as the average pinner?

Pinterest has exploded in the last five years and doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. Crafters, moms, wedding planners, DIYers, designers, artists, and even authors, are using the site as a mecca for ideas. Even other social media sites are being used for pins. Just check out my Fan Canon folder and see all the Harry Potter fan canons being pinned from Tumblr. Pins can be seen all over Facebook and Twitter. Most websites now give the option to pin what you've just looked at.

There are over 72 million people that use Pinterest. 72 MILLION. That's a lot of people you could be reaching by using Pinterest as an author platform.

So how do you use it as an author platform?

1) Have Your Author Pinterest Account Separate From Your Personal One.
You've seen this before in my How Social Media Can Help You Become A Better Writer post. On ANY social media site, your personal page and author page should be completely separate. Business vs private. Your readers, your customers, do not want to see your personal drama splashed on every corner of the Internet. It works the same for your author Pinterest account. Avoid the personal pinning: recipes to try, DIY ideas, wedding planning. Unless it directly relates to something you're currently working on, don't pin it. If it is related to what you're working on, separate your pins into boards that make it obvious to your readers...

2) Label Your Boards. Your books, your social media links/contacts, writing tips you want to share, motivation, books you read, authors you recommend, story inspiration, etc. When you create each board and the pins to go in them, remember that your readers and followers will be basing who you are as an author on what you are putting on your page. I have boards titled: My Books, Contact the Author, Writer's Ramblings Blog, Guest Blog Posts, Who Would Play My Characters, Writing Blogs and Websites, Marketing Tips, Writing Tips, Motivation, Publishing Tips, and so much more. Each Board has tons of pins on the topic that I, and other authors, can use to become better at our profession.
Side note: Make sure your board cover photo is a good one. You want something easily read and understood as the first thing someone sees on your boards.

3) Organize Your Boards

This is important. There needs to be some type of method to your madness. Your first boards should be about you as an author. The books you have out (pin links to your sales pages), how to contact you, your blog (if you have one, and you should). The next ones should be about writing as a profession: marketing, publishing, writing, motivation, etc. Next: You as a person. What makes you tic? What are your likes and dislikes? Favorite books, quotes, movies, etc. Readers want to know more about you as well as read your books. Next: Story inspirations. Character inspiration, story inspiration, recipes, art, etc. I have boards for Historical Research, Historical Scottish Research, and All Things Irish. IE: Things I write about often.

4) Make The 'About You' section short but memorable. 

Like Twitter, you only get so many words to describe who you are. 'I'm an author' is not enough to hold anybody's attention. Here's mine: I'm an author, wife, mother, blogger, pinning addict, wannabe Betty Crocker, 'zookeeper', and avid reader from Illinois.

5) 'Clean' Your Pins Often
Everybody hates repetition. And broken links. Check your pins often. Make sure you aren't doubling up, using broken links, or using out-dated information.

6) Make Use Of The 'Private Boards'
Most people use these these for dirty jokes they don't want their mom to see. You can use this for story ideas you don't want to give away, dirty jokes ;), things that have nothing to do with writing, etc. Things that make you look unprofessional as an author, but normal as a person, should go in your private boards.

7) Find and Pin Other Authors
In the author's world, the phrase 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.' seems to be an unspoken motto. Writing and publishing, especially in the self-published and indie-published world, is NOT a cut-throat business. Authors will go out of their way to help someone out. Use this to your (and their) advantage. Pin other authors, other author's books, other author's writing tips, other author's blogs, etc. Follow their boards, or their page. You'll find that they'll return the favor AND bring in new readers/fans from their own pages.

8) DO NOT SPAM

I cannot stress the importance of this one enough. Authors, writers, publishers, readers, fans: EVERYONE HATES SPAM. Don't use your Pinterest account as a diving board for jumping on top of everyone. Post your blog, post your books, but LEAVE IT AT THAT. Pinterest isn't going to sell your books for you. But Pinterest CAN sell you as an author, writer, and otherwise, pretty cool person. It will lead back to book sales eventually, but that's not the goal in creating an author platform via Pinterest. Gaining interest in YOU is the goal.

You can check out my Pinterest page here: AuthorAMeredith 


Now that you've got some great tips on using Pinterest as an author platform, get out there and START PINNING! :)

Weekend Review - Defective by Susan Sofayov

I know it's not currently the weekend, but honestly, I couldn't wait to write this post. :)



I'll start off right away with my rating and review of Defective. It's 5 out of 5 stars for me. Honestly I couldn't put it down. I mean, I did. I couldn't let the family starve, and the stack of dishes was starting to stink, but as soon as I could, I was picking it back up. Such a great novel. 


Amazon review of Defective:

Wonderful, wonderful story!

I received a copy of Defective in exchange for a honest review.

I give this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Usually, when I'm reading for a review, I nit-pick the entire thing, making notes as I read it. Not the case with Defective. I could not put it down. From page one, I connected with maggie, feeling her pain, fears, and despair. I wanted to find answers with her. I felt relief when she did. And her happy ending felt like MY happy ending.

Susan has written a touching story, bringing to lift hard issues that many people face. If I hadn't known this was her debut novel, I'd say she's been on the New York Times best seller lists for years. Well done Susan!


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Warning: Possible spoilers ahead!!!!!


A more detailed review of Defective:

The story centers around young Maggie, a law school student with an evil twin living in her head. From the start, you know something is wrong but you aren't looking at it objectively. You're in Maggie's head, listening to that evil voice spewing venomous thoughts. You FEEL lost in the darkness. And when her fiance, Sam, leaves her because of her seemingly split personality, it finally spurs Maggie to try and find some answers to her problems.

Finally, through visits to a therapist and psychiatrist, Maggie discovers what was wrong all along. She's bipolar 2, and there's hope that medicine can bring some normalcy to her life. But Maggie's idea of normal is having Sam back in her life, though it's becoming increasingly clear that a re-do of her life is not going to happen. Even if you've never been there, fighting to salvage a lost relationship, you FEEL like you know exactly how it is. In the back of your mind, you know there's nothing you can do, but you convince yourself that there's a chance.

Throughout this chaos, Maggie discovers secrets that her family has buried for years. Secrets that could have given her answers to her problems years ago. Bitterness threatens, but Maggie intends to never let secrets plague her family again. Through some great friends (and cousins), Maggie begins to think about a fling she had years ago, and finally reconnects with Nick, now an orthopedic doctor. Though Maggie's brain insists she's only having a friendly conversations, that all changes when Nick knocks on her door one day. The back of her mind still insists that life with Sam is possible though, and her willingness to listen to that one thought, ruins things with Nick.

Maggie finally sees the truth after a desperate conversation with Sam. She sees that he was never the one, and in that moment realizes that it had always been Nick from the start. Then comes a mad dash to find Nick and fix everything. You'll feel your own heart pounding as she races to catch up with him and the sigh of relief when he wraps his arms around her again.

When I started Defective, I assumed it was not going to be a happily-ever-after type story. Mental illness is difficult to diagnose and treat, and for some, even with help, they lose themselves in the darkness, permanently. It was great to see a good ending to what could've been a tragic story. I feel that Defective could not only be a great read, but also inspirational to those that struggle with their own minds. I cannot reiterate how much I loved this story.


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NOW, some information about Susan!

Susan Sofayov lives in scenic, Pittsburgh, PA and runs a real estate management/development company with her husband.  She is the mother of three children and the owner of the most hated dog in the neighborhood.   


You can find Susan here:
defectivethenovel.com 
Twitter  
Goodreads
Facebook
YouTube


You can find Defective here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Black Opal Books
Kobo Books



And a little more about Susan:



What inspired you to write your first book?  

A combination of events inspired me to write the book, but the most important was my own diagnosis of bipolar 2 disorder at age 46. I wanted people to understand that though not curable, mental illness, in many cases, can be controlled and people with mental illnesses are everywhere, living productive lives. I'll stop now. This is a subject I can ramble on about forever. But, if you read the book and see yourself in Maggie, please reach out for help.   



What do you think is more important: Characters or Plot? 

I think they're both important, but for me, characters are easier to write.    



What does your family think of your writing?  

Well, my mother is a one-woman marketing department. My daughter is a terrific beta reader. My sons are waiting for the Spark notes, and my husband claims he’ll read it when it’s translated into his native language, which is not English. Sad to say, but my only brother passed away two months before the release of Defective. The book is dedicated to him and my father.  



If you could cast your main character(s) in a Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would land the roles?   

Wow, that’s a hard one. These characters are completely real to me, asking the question is almost the same as asking me who would play my husband and children. I’ll give it a try. I think Jennifer Lawrence would make a great Maggie. Amanda Seyfried could play Stephanie. I think Anna Kendrick would make a good Amy. I don’t have any idea who could plan Sam or Nick.     



As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  

Taller, just kidding. Honestly, I remember a whole list of things I wanted to be. Even now, if I could go back to college, I’d still be undecided. There are so many things that interest me, which is evident by the wide variety of jobs I’ve held.  
  


What do you like to do when you aren't writing? 

Cook, read, spend time with my family and friends.  



What is a talent you have that no one knows?  

It’s so secret, I don’t even know what it is.



What is one tip you'd give to up & coming authors?  

One, join a critique group or find a critique partner who has different strengths than you do. Personally, I can’t use a comma properly to save my life, but I’m pretty good at identifying plot issues. My critique group inserts commas into my work and I help plug their plot holes. Also, go to conferences! They're worth the money. 



If you could spend the day with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why? 

 My dad. He died many years ago. I would like to introduce him to my husband and his grandchildren. Also, I think he would be thrilled with all the technology we have today.  



10) What's next for you?  

I just finished my second novel, The Kiddush Ladies. 

The End Of A Magical Journey - Thursdays with the Author

Well I've done it, finally. I finished The Irish Treasures Saga. Irish Truth went live yesterday in print and eBook editions. I had immediate sales. I had immediate reviews. I had immediate tears.

(Here's the link for Irish Truth)

It's been a magical time. It's like I watched my babies grow up and then go off to college. I'm a bit sad, but more proud than anything. Just being done with the writing/editing/formatting is such a load off my shoulders. Seeing five books now available on my author central page is astonishing. I hope to see many more before I'm done.

(Here's the link for ALL my books: Author Amanda Meredith

It's the end of a series, but definitely not the end of the books I'll be bringing you.

I'll have a children's picture book coming out sometime next year. My kids are very excited that I'll finally have time to sit down and commit to working on the illustrations. They were really the ones that pushed me to delve into children's. They're my light so I couldn't say no.

I have a few more romance novels that are currently just works in process...

One is a beach setting, the Alabama Gulf Coast to be exact. A marine biologist working to save endangered sea turtles. A children's author that brought his family to the coast to heal after losing his wife to cancer.

One is set it Nashville. Two high school sweethearts, one, the sweet girl-next-door with an amazing voice, the other, the guitar-playing rebel from a broken family. Their happily ever disappears until they find each other at a show in a Nashville bar. Sparks fly, but so do the secrets they've been hiding. Secrets that could keep them apart for good.

And a historical romance...

She's the daughter of a renowned horse trainer in Victorian England, pretending to be a boy to hide from an aristocrat determined to break her. Her father's death at the hands of her assailant sends her to the outskirts of London, searching for the only man her father could trust to keep her safe.
He's the third son of a duke, thrust into being the sole heir of his father's dynasty. He's determined to save his father's lands with success in the horse business, but to do that, he must rely on a young stable boy, clearly on the run. The young lad has a gift with horses but all is not what it seems, and when the truth comes to light, so does the danger surrounding them both.

There's also some thoughts on continuing the story with a few characters from The Irish Treasures Saga, particularly the Brubaker triplets: Max, Douglas, and Jamie, as well as their sister, Moira. Liam and Tierney may also get their own stories, but that would be a long way down the road. :)



I will also be featuring a lot of new reviews on the blog from a variety of authors and genres. There should be new Weekend Reviews coming up by the end of July! :)



So there's the update for the summer of 2015. I hope you are all enjoying my books. :)
Stay tuned for more!

Weekend Review - Acquiescence - Velya Jancz-Urban

For this Weekend Review, the spotlight will be on Velya Jancz-Urban and her novel, Acquiescence. 

First, getting to know Velya:

Velya Jancz-Urban, and her Acquiescence protagonist Pamina Campbell, have a lot in common. Both are teachers and hoodwinked Brazilian dairy farm owners, and both share a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse with a spirit woman. Velya has been married for 32 years, and is the mother of two grown children. She has a few too many rescue dogs and cats, is happiest with a fresh stack of library books, loves thrift shops, and is passionate about alternative medicine. Velya is the creator/owner of How Cool is That?! (Hands-On Science (more info at www.howcoolisthat.name), as well as the East Coast Instructor for Earth Adventure's Earth Balloon. her entertainingly informative presentation, The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife, is a result of the research for Acquiescence. 

Now to get to know Velya a little better:

What is your book about?

When Pamina Campbell learns of a murder committed over two hundred years ago in her Connecticut farmhouse in order to avenge an unforgivable crime, she accepts that she has no idea how the universe works, except that it requires acquiescence at every point. Two plot threads twine in Acquiescence, as one woman calls to another across three centuries. One story, featuring Susannah Mathews, takes place in the late 1700s, while Pamina's story is set in modern day. Pamina learns that disaster - the sort of disaster that leaves you numb on a park bench or aching for your husband to come back to you - can be a freaky thing of beauty. As Pamina and her family try to piece their lives back together in their 1770 home, little do they know that secrecy, homophobia, and a ghastly confession await.

Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

The message in Acquiescence is that even though a person may have no desire to re-live a challenging or difficult time in their life, the obstacle can play a role in shaping who you become. If you allow adversity to become an opportunity for growth, you may become a different person.

Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?

While I don’t have any particular type of snack or drink at my side as I write, I did have a food-incentive-as-reward for when I received my first Offer of Representation for Acquiescence.  Although I don’t eat them (because years ago I gave up corn syrup, GMOs, and wheat), I’m crazy about Vienna Fingers cookies. A year ago, when I started sending out query letters, I decided to buy a package of Vienna Fingers and keep them on top of an exposed, hand-hewn beam in our kitchen. I promised myself that on the day I got my offer, I would welcome “corn syrup coma” and gobble down the entire twenty-four pack, along with a cold glass of raw milk. The enticing red and yellow package stared down at me every time I walked under the beam. With every rejection letter, the rounded-end finger-shaped cookies taunted me. I could almost hear them sneer, “Ha! Ha! We’re safe up here. You’re never gonna eat us!” And then, came my Offer of Representation from Second Wind Publishing.  As I triumphantly dunked each crème-filled vanilla cookie, every “unfortunately, this manuscript does not fit our needs at this time” rejection drowned in the glass of milk.

What advice you would give to an aspiring author?

The best advice I would give an aspiring author is a quote by literary agent, Dan Lazar: “The best rule of thumb is always to start the story where the story starts.” This was one of the stumbling blocks in my first drafts.  Where does the story start? Until you, the author, have that straight in your mind, the story’s flow won’t be right.  Also, although it’s difficult, being able to summarize your book in one sentence clarifies its goal.

If you could have lunch with one person, real or fictitious, who would it be?

If I could have lunch with one person, it would probably be Alva Vanderbilt.  Ever since my first trip to Newport, Rhode Island as a little kid, I have been fascinated by the Gilded Age.  I was never envious of Alva’s life, just intrigued by her drive. I love the fact that she went from a seen-better-days Southern belle, to an unconventional, multi-millionaire, American socialite, and then became a major figure in the women's suffrage movement. For our twentieth-fifth wedding anniversary, my husband bought me a set of her “Votes for Women” china.

Which is more important to your story, character or plot?

Character is the heart of story.  Readers relate to stories through character. Plot frames the conflict and action. Why would we want to pick one over the other when we can – and should – have both?

What is a talent you have that no one knows?

- As a hands-on science teacher, I can identify any bone that comes out of a regurgitated owl pellet.

- Although I’m an atheist, I can recite the books of the Bible – Old and New Testament – in order. 

- From hours of quizzing my pre-teen son, I still know all 100 answers to the 4-H Poultry Showmanship questions. 

Why will readers relate to your characters?

Every family has a moment that changes everything. Things happen - things you can’t even imagine - and in a minute the world is changed. Readers will relate to my characters because, just as in real life, they’ll like some and despise others. In my novel, Acquiescence, the Campbell family finds the courage to overcome adversity, realize that love never dies, and accept that there are bigger forces out there that know no limit. They learn that it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you deal with what happens to you, and that the best revenge is living a happy life.

What famous literary character is most like you?

​

Although I look like Liza Minnelli, I think my personality is similar to Ma Joad’s in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.  I’ve never decapitated a chicken, but, like ‘Ma,’ I’m the backbone of my family. When we first meet Ma Joad, she is a strong woman. When we see her in the very last chapter, she is a strong woman.  Her strength only grows throughout the course of the novel. In fact, her initial strength transforms into a different kind of strength - one that it is dead set on survival – the survival of her family. As her family meets obstacle after obstacle, Ma Joad keeps it together. She is the strongest supporter of family and togetherness. Ma expresses this best when she directs Rosasharnto breast-feed the starving man at the novel’s conclusion. Both Ma Joad and I know that even the most horrible circumstances can be surmounted with grace and dignity.

Did you do any research for the book?

 Moving into a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse ignited my interest in the colonial era. Behind the walls of our house, surprises and secrets waited to be exposed, and this became the spark for my novel, Acquiescence. While researching my novel, I became obsessed (in a good way) with colonial women. I wanted to find out what life was really like for them - the stuff we’ve always been curious about. How did they deal with menstruation at a time when women didn’t wear underwear?  How about sex and birth control, childbirth, sickness and medicine? I put together an entertainingly-informative presentation called Colonial Goodwife: The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife (www.colonialgoodwife.com) to help promote my novel, as well as to let today’s women see that although we have a long way to go, it’s amazing how far we’ve come.

What are 3 words that describe your writing style?

Breezy, honest, unpretentious.

What's next for you?

I have a hands-on science children’s fiction series under contract.  As a hands-on science teacher, (www.howcoolisthat.name) I know that the new importance placed on standardized testing doesn’t leave enough time in a school day for hands-on activities. Standardized tests don’t encourage a love of learning. A kid is more than a test score. 

I offer inquiry-based, hands-on/minds-on science activities like Dissecting Owl Pellets, Making Chicken Mummies, Grossology, Shampoo Analysis Lab and Gotta Brain/ Getta Helmet! Not every child can participate in one of my classes, but soon they will be able to take part through my book/science kits with the summer 2015 launch of One Lucky Mealworm! and Whooo Eats What? I’m also cooking up a follow-up to Pamina’s story titled Woman on the Rock.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your work-in-progress?

Working title: The Woman on the Rock 

For forty years, Chuck Ehrismann stared at a black and white photo of an unknown, stunning woman – the only clue was ‘1949 Keansberg, New Jersey’ penciled on the back, but Chuck suspected she was family and held the key to his own identity.

Where can we learn more about you and your book?

Acquiescence is available from Second Wind Publishing: Second Wind Publishing

or, Amazon

You can find Velya at:

www.acquiescencethebook.com

www.colonialgoodwife.com

Facebook

Acquiescence Facebook Page

Twitter

Blog

And now, for my review!!!

Acquiescence by Velya Jancz-Urban

A wonderful story of the hardships of two women who lived hundreds of years apart, yet helped each other heal.

5 out of 5 stars

Acquiescence is a wonderful read that blends the life of a modern-day woman with the past of a colonial era wife. Velya writes so well I wasn't sure if I was reading a memoir-like fiction, or if I was becoming the character I was reading about. Acquiescence does touch on some sensitive subjects that might be offensive or uncomfortable for some people. If you read it with an open mind as the wonderful story it is, you won't regret it! 

The main character, Pamina Campbell is a confident, self-assured mother and wife that pushes through some very difficult circumstances; from a verbally and emotionally abusive father, to being conned by a family friend and losing everything. With an amazing husband and two wonderful children, they pull through the obstacles and their family ends up settling in a colonial era farmhouse in Connecticut. 

Once in their new home, we get to meet a new character, Susannah, the spirit of a colonial era mother. Susannah's story is a sad one, full of heartbreak and hardships, but as more of her story is uncovered, she provides more healing for Campbell family. Pamina focuses on uncovering what happened to Susannah and her family, uncovering some gruesome and shocking truths. With events that eerily parallel their own unique family, Susannah's tragic life shows the Campbell family how blessed they are. 

Reading through Acquiescence had me vowing to stop evil people like Pamina's father or Susannah's husband. It made me want to be supportive and understanding like Pamina's husband Jim. And I want to be as open, loving, and caring as Pamina. 

I loved the colonial details and history Velya added to her story without it sounding like an info dump. It flowed with the story so well, I didn't realize I was being taught! ;)

Great, great job Velya!

I recommend this book for ages 18 and up due to some adult language and content. I was given a copy of Acquiescence in exchange for an honest review. 

Weekend Review - Anna Larson - The Horse That Haunts Dreams

This weekend's review features freelance writer, Anna Larson, and her memoir, The Horse That Haunts Dreams, a touching story of the life of her beloved horse, Hobo.

Here's my Review:

A story every horse enthusiast can relate to and love.

The horse that haunts dreams is a touching memoir about a young woman and the horse that she will never forget. Full of wonderful stories and memories of her beloved Hobo, Anna tells a wonderful tale that spans Hobo's life. Most horse enthusiasts have experienced the same one-of-a-kind bond that Anna describes, and reading her collection of memories brings our own journeys back to life in our hearts. Anna makes her journey with Hobo a compelling, humorous, and heart-touching read.

I would've liked to see it written more as a narrative than a memoir, as it jumped about a few times. Some of the stories could've been expanded and elaborated to make it sound less journalistic. But as it's written, it is still a solid 4 star read, partially due to it reminding me of my own unforgettable horse, a APHA gelding named Leroy. :)

Where to find Anna Larson:

Blog 

Goodreads

Smashwords

Facebook

Where you can find The Horse That Haunts Dreams:

https://www.createspace.com/4384530

http://www.amazon.com/The-Horse-That-Haunts-Dreams/dp/1495250539

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-horse-that-haunts-dreams-anna-larson/1120911435?ean=2940149907908

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/432828

More Thoughts:

To elaborate: The memoir bounces back and forth from a narrative storyteller, to a more factual, journalistic approach. Both styles are fine, but personally, (as a fiction reader and writer) I prefer the more narrative style. By sticking with the storytelling instead of the reporting narration, Anna could have expanded on her and Hobo's stories quite a bit. The book itself could have doubled in size, if not more. 

Still, I want to make it clear that I enjoyed reading it and since I am a horse-lover myself, I could really connect with Anna and her wonderful horse, Hobo.

Getting to know Anna Larson:

Anna Larson is a freelance writer and long time horse owner. She attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico and Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Equine Science before enlisting in the U.S. Army as a veterinary technician. After leaving the Army she returned to New Mexico where she still lives with her partner and her horses.

A little more from Anna:

What inspired you to write your first book?

In 2007, a horse I'd owned since he was a baby, died at the age of 23. Shortly after that he started haunting my dreams. Every night I'd have this dream about another horse that was "in the dream", a reincarnation of my dead horse. Three months later, I found a baby horse that almost matched the descriptions in my dreams. I bought that foal and the next day the dreams stopped.  It was the freakiest thing that's ever happened in my dreams or real life. The foal I bought was so much like my old horse, right down to being allergic to vaccinations, that it's scary.  As for writing, that dream did start me on the writing path. I had no plans to be a writer before that, but I had to write that story down.

What books have most influenced your life? 

Every book I've ever read has something to teach me. The truly badly written ones show me what not to do and the well written ones give me a guide for my own work. However the most influential book in my life I would have to say would be "Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West" by Marguerite Henry. Without that book I wouldn't have had my own Hobo.

If you had to pick only one, who would be your favorite author?

That's really tough to choose between my childhood favorite Marguerite Henry or my adult favorite Dick Francis. 

If you could cast your main character(s) in a Hollywood adaption of your book, who would land the rolls?

That's a really hard one since it's difficult to cast a horse and a mule. As for me, I think Emma Watson in her short hair would most closely resemble a younger me. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At first I wanted to be a truck driver, but my dad took me to the truck stop and one of his buddies let me look into the cab of the truck. I remember thinking I was way too tiny to ever grow big enough to drive a truck so I changed my mind and decided on being a jockey instead. 

What do you like to do when you aren't writing? 

I ride my horses, keep up the farm, garden, and crochet. I'm also an avid reader and spend a part of every day with "my nose in a book" as my mom likes to say. 

What is one tip you'd give to up & coming authors?

Make sure to get an editor. No matter what, you will need an editor. Even with an editor, mistakes will happen. You can minimize your mistakes and your negative reviews by making sure your work is as mistake free as possible. I run my manuscript through beta readers, an editor and then I convert it to a kindle format and have my kindle text to speech read the text back. It's amazing what mistakes, awkward sentences and so forth you will find by listening to the story read back. Having the text to speech option keeps your eyes from playing tricks with your mind. You hear the mistakes instead of the eyes skipping over them. 

If you could spend the day with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

I'm a huge fan of horse racing and I used to work at several race tracks, but I wasn't old enough to have been around the famous Bill Shoemaker when he was in his riding prime. I watched as many races as were televised way back when was a kid. I always idolized the man and his riding skills. 

What's next for you?

I'm debating between Equine Fantasy of some type or a western revolving around a horse, but nothing solid yet. 

A big thanks to Anna Larson for being such an 'open book', no pun intended! Your tip on the Kindle text speech is brilliant! :)