Greg Messel has now written three novels and two unpublished memoirs. His fourth novel, The Last of the Seals is the first in a trilogy of mysteries and will be published later this year.

Enjoy this interview.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing most of my life. I supported myself in high school as a stringer for the local newspapers in Concord, California. I wrote movie reviews and covered sports. I was also sports editor of my high school newspaper. I’ve been writing ever since, including being the news editor, a columnist and reporter for a daily newspaper. I’ve only recently began writing novels. I never imagined that I would go that direction with my writing but I love it. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve lived in Wyoming, Utah, Oregon and Washington since then. I’ve spent most of my life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Tell us about your latest book.  What do you hope readers take away from it?

My new book is The Illusion of Certainty. It follows two parallel story lines about people dealing with sudden adversity in their life. I begin the story with a quote that says “the only certainty in life is uncertainty.” The story speaks to the theme that in the 21st Century through our amazing technology, we think we are in control of our lives. We track our schedules on our iPhones or Blackberries and are in constant contact with one another. We are deluded into thinking we are pulling the strings on the events in our lives. However, the certainty or control that we feel we have is only an illusion. The characters in my novel are always “connected” but only superficially to the people in their lives. The end of the book shows that the human touch and the healing power of love is what is sorely missing.

Share some of your writing goals.  What’s next for you?

I’m working on a new mystery trilogy. I’ve wanted to find a group of characters that could be the basis for a series of books. I think I’ve found them. My mystery series will be set in 1957 in San Francisco. A great time and location. I’m very excited about the new possibilities. Writing a series is a new challenge and so is writing a mystery. You have to figure out the mystery yourself but then as a writer you need to reveal it slowly in a way that draws the reader in. I hope I can do it.

What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

That’s a really tough one.I remember when I finally tackled War and Peace. It was difficult at first with all of the Russian names and lots of characters. When I was done, I thought “this is a true work of art.” There are good books and then there are great books.

Favorite authors?

I really like Pat Conroy’s books. I met Michael Connelly at the Los Angeles Festival of Books a few years ago. I love his books and I thought he was the coolest guy I’ve ever met.

Book you’re currently reading?

Okay, now here’s an honest answer–Lady Chatterley’s Lover. I remember that when I was in high school and college that book was banned. I can recall walking by a bookstore in Berkeley which was featuring the banned book. I’m reading it now on my Kindle to find out what all the fuss was about. It’s a classic novel.

In your opinion, what’s the measure of a successful writer?

It’s always nice if your book can make some money. I think some so-called “best sellers” are garbage. The world of writing and publishing is changing so rapidly. It’s scary out there but there’s also some really wonderful opportunities which were not there before.  The self-publishing world, the social networking and ebooks are all very exciting. However, to me the greatest payoff is when I get a tweet or e mail from a reader who says “I really loved your book” and that it meant something to them. It’s wonderful when someone’s life is touched by your book. It is very interesting to see what your writing means to readers.

Where can we learn more about you?

I’m active on Twitter at @gregmessel, on Facebook and regularly write on my blog.

I also have a page on the Independent Author Network web siteand website at www.gregmessel.com.

More Books by Greg Messel:

• Expiation
• Sunbreaks

Like so many authors, Barbara Howell has worn many hats, including her many careers: farmer, cosmetologist, wife, mother, grandmother, woodworker and now author.

Enjoy this interview.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been writing?

I laughingly tell people I’m proud to be from the country—more specifically from the hills and hollers of Tennessee. I was born and raised in a small town about 70 miles south of Nashville, but later as an adult I also lived in Tulsa, OK for about 10 years. Through my business, Southern Ladies Showcases, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively across the United State, especially in the South East and Mid West regions.

My love for writing began almost 50 years ago as I started writing plays and skits for a youth group at my church. Pretty soon that developed into a stronger passion and years later in my 40s I had the opportunity to begin taking college writing classes to develop my skill-set. From there, I spent as much time as possible writing, but found that at that time, ‘my story’ hadn’t yet been completed. It would be 20+ years later before I realized the book I was actually supposed to write–the story having been in the making all of my life.

Tell us about your latest book. What do you hope readers take away from it?

My book, Splinters: Splinters: The Pain, The Passion, The Point is a story of hope and encouragement that is actually auto-biographical in nature. Splinters shares my tale of growing up with a several hearing loss handicap that would later prove to drastically effect my life. The story is a candid look at the triumphs and struggles that I overcame, and the ultimate victory I experienced, making it to the ‘other side”.

The message I hope every reader walks away from is something that I’ve built my life around. I saw a cartoon many years ago of a bird trying to swallow a frog. The frog in turn, had his hands around the birds throat even from within it’s mouth. The caption reads, “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over!” and that cartoon inspired me so much that I had an artist paint it for me and I have it hanging in my house to this day. When I was ready to write Splinters I knew I had to share that motto with my readers. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, a reminder that “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over!”

Share some of your writing goals. What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on my second book, a book that delves deeper and centers around one of the topics in Splinters: my brother-in-law’s murder conviction. (Readers will have to grab a copy of Splinters to get a preview of this story!) In addition to that, I currently speak to groups, churches and clubs and hold regular book signings promoting Splinters. I am proud to say that Splinters has won several awards, including “Best Christian True Story” for 2010 and an Award of Excellence from Graphic Design USA.

What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

That’s a tough question as I read anything I can get my hands on—but I especially love books of an encouraging and inspirational nature. One of my favorites currently is a book called, The Bloodline of a Champion By Mark Hankins. I love books that push me to grow and help to serve as a reminder that as I tell others, “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over!”

Book you’re currently reading?

I am actually reading several books currently especially as the holidays are behind me—I can always count on a hefty variety of new books to delve into after gifts are exchanged! Among these, I gravitate toward other books that are biographical and I’m currently reading books about the lives of John G. Lake and Nancy Reagan.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I can almost always be found in my woodworking shop, crafting wooden display cases and overseeing operations for Southern Ladies Showcases. The circumstances that led to my profession as a female woodworker are detailed in Splinters, but the passion I have for the activity is still just as prevalent today. I love being down in that shop!

Where can we learn more about you?

You can actually find out more about me on my website at www.splintersbook.com and on Twitter @splintersbook

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would just finish up by reminding readers that regardless of their current situations or how bad their circumstances look, there IS a new day tomorrow and things can turn around almost immediately it seems. Just a reminder that if they will keep fighting, keep persevering and stay after it they too can determine that “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over!”

One thing I adore about the blogging community is just how friendly and generous they are. Connie Brimmage from Salvage Savvy says something similar at the end of this interview. Connie’s blog is fairly new (less than a year at the time of this interview), so I hope you’ll all give her a big, hearty, Working Writers welcome.

Enjoy this interview.

I really adore your blog. When did you decide to start it? Was there a “I’ve got to write about this” moment when you were doing a project?

Thanks so much Cherie! I decided to start Salvage Savvy in March of 2011. I’ve always loved interior decorating, and I am constantly doing DIY projects around our home. However, I didn’t spend a lot of time on the computer and had never read home decor blogs [I had NO idea what I was missing!]. One day I stumbled upon a blog via Nate Berkus’ website [I just love Nate, don‘t you?!] and something just “clicked“ inside of me. It was like finding the missing piece to my creativity puzzle. I called my sister and told her I wanted to start my own blog and then immediately began designing and writing ideas for it [well, once I got her blessing… you know how important that is if you have a sister!]. The idea of sharing my passion with others was SO EXCITING and I couldn‘t wait to start. Looking back, I realize that the timing was pretty much insane! You see, our baby girl was three months old at the time [which is the perfect time to start blogging… if you love utter chaos and despise sleep] and I really had no idea that beginning a blog is essentially equivalent to having another child!! Nevertheless, I’m so very glad that I went ahead and took the leap and wouldn‘t change a thing. This is truly my passion so all of the hard work is worth it.

How often do you update the blog?

I’m still a fairly new blogger [I can use that excuse until Salvage Savvy is a year old, right?!] so I’m still figuring out what posting schedule works best. Here’s the thing: I don’t have alot of extra time to sit around reading blogs all day and I realize that my readers don’t either. Therefore, I only write two or three times each week but I really want each post to inspire, inform or make people laugh in some way [and if I can do all three then it's a really good day!]. I try to keep Salvage Savvy a fluff-free zone! Also, because I focus on sharing projects with my readers, I add one new project to the blog each week. Yes, that keeps me busy, but I recognize that DIY projects are the “pulse” of Salvage Savvy so it’s important!

More DIY Resources:

• DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner: 25 Ways to Build a Self-Reliant Lifestyle
• DIY Art at Home: 28 Simple Projects for Chic Decor on the Cheap
• Real-Life Decor: 100 Easy DIY Projects to Brighten Your Home on a Budget

Writers are always looking for places to get their book reviewed, right? Well, here’s a source you might want to check out.

Enjoy this interview.

How did your blog get started? What was the thing that made you think, “It’s time to do this”?

I first learned how to write reviews in the “professional” sense when I was taking a Children’s Materials and Services class in the Library and Information Studies program at the University of Alabama. Normally when someone thinks of a book review, it might be a review on Amazon.com where someone writes, “Amazing book!!!!!” or “I hated this book!!!!!” and simply leave it at that. In the Children’s Services class, we were taught to analyze juvenile books as children’s librarians. Why is this a good book for children? Does it teach a lesson? Is it entertaining? Is it biased or outdated?

Technically there are four blogs, all hyperlinked to each other. One is devoted to adult fiction/nonfiction, one to children’s literature, one to young adult literature, and one to graphic novels. I was surprised at how much fun these reviews are to write. Reviews start with a “teaser” of sorts, like something you would read on the back of a book to get you interested. Then you analyze the book’s merits, and give suggestions as to what age range is appropriate, or who would be interested.

How often do you update the blog?

I try to post a review on each blog at least once a month.

What kind of posts do you write and accept?

For the adult blog, I have decided to set “themes” for myself for each month. January’s theme is Doomsday Literature (the world’s supposed to end this year, so why not embrace it through fiction?). I accept any and all comments from readers.

Let’s switch gears to books. What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

Duneby Frank Herbert. It’s a classic science fiction novel that’s laden with wonderful world-building details. It’s not just a book you can read, but a place you can live in while you read it.

Favorite authors?

Too many to count! But just to name a few: Stephen King, Alison Weir, Antonia Frasier, Anne Rice, Mercedes Lackey, Neil Gaiman.

Where can we learn more about you?

I have a Facebook page where I’m listed as Elizabeth.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m entertaining myself with the book reviews while working on a novel entitled Pathos Fair, and searching for a method of publishing it.

More on Book Reviews and Promotion:

• The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
• Faint Praise: The Plight of Book Reviewing in America
• Virtual Book Tours

I’ve done quite a few interviews over the past few years, and most of them are really great. As an introvert myself, I’m amazed at people’s abilities to chat away in a carefree manner, to interrupt people (when they need it), and to basically think aloud. During a radio or TV interview, those are important skillsets (which I definitely don’t have.) But there have also been interviewers that have veered off-track during the course of our time together. So then what? Do you as the interviewee interrupt them? What do you do to get things back on track?

Why Things Veer Off Course

Some people are chatty by nature, and this means they happily chirp out their thoughts without much regard to whether or not what they’re saying is related to their show. This isn’t a bad thing, because sometimes you can get spontaneous moments that leave an impact. As an interviewee, though, you can’t afford to have your host chat happily away from your topic.

Other times a host may veer from the pre-determined topic based on something that happened in the news recently. That happened to me with a radio show I did last year. It was a live show for the top-rated morning show in Atlanta. The producer asked me to prepare three points (related to the topic of online dating) to talk about, and when I came on to do the interview, the host completely changed the topic based on something she heard on the news that morning.

Don’t Panic!

In the example with the Atlanta radio show, I didn’t panic. Whenever I do radio or TV, I tell myself to go with the flow no matter what happens. That sometimes means I’m not “on” with promoting my book, but willing to chat about other things if they come up. The reason I’m open to this (and I do really have to psyche myself up about this ahead of time) is that I believe when you make an appearance of any kind, you are selling yourself, your brand, and your book, just by showing your personality. If you show that you’re knowledgeable but also willing to loosen up and have fun, you’ll leave much more of an impression, and chances are people will look you up. At the very least, they will remember you the next time another piece of your overall marketing puzzle shows up (like a Tweet or blog post).

In the case of this Atlanta radio show, I chatted about the topic she wanted to talk about, and then related it to my own topic. I answered her questions, and then said:

“I’m happy you brought this up. I think it relates to the dating world very well because…”

and then brought it back to my topic. In the end, we managed to hit some topics related to dating, but not the ones the producer asked me to prepare. (Yet another reason you need to be an expert in your topic if you go on radio or TV.)

Avoid Saying “In My Book”

You might be tempted to try and get things back on topic by talking about the real reason you’re doing the interview: your book. (Or blog, or whatever else you’re trying to promote.) Be very cautious about this, because if you bring up your book too much, you’ll turn people off and they won’t listen to you anymore.

Instead, avoid saying “in my book” at all, and instead say “I always tell people,” or “I would advise people to” and then talk about points relevant to why you’re there.

This might sound confusing, so let me give you an example. In one TV interview I did on the subject of Internet dating, the interviewer chatted with me before air time. She asked me the one thing that everyone who has never dated online seems to ask, which was “Do people lie online?” I said no, for the most part I thought people were who they said they were.

When the cameras came back on and we went live, however, she said (right into the camera) “We’re talking here about why people lie.” Then she turned to me, “Why are so many people dishonest in the world? They cheat on their taxes, they lie to their husbands… why do you think this happens?”

Uh…..

I was a newbie at interviewing back then and probably looked like I was caught in the headlights. Why did this happen? I assumed it was because the interviewer had a lot going on and couldn’t remember what we were there to discuss. (Or, she was just a moron.) Either way, I wasn’t going to miss out on TV time when it came to discussing my topic.

If I wanted to be obnoxious (which I’ll admit was very tempting considering how the rest of the interview went) I would have said, “Well in my book I talk about that. In my book, which is why I’m here, I mention that it’s an urban legend how much people lie on their profiles. In my book, which you should read because you obviously know nothing about this subject…”

But I didn’t do that. Luckily, I recovered, and said:

“I don’t know why some people lie, but in the online dating world, which I do know a lot about, I’d disagree that people are dishonest.”

Suggest a Question

Another tactic to use if the interviewer gets totally off-track is to suggest a question related to your topic. This happened to me once when someone was interviewing me about my diabetes book for a radio show, and asked me about being a Green Bay Packer fan. I happily answered questions about it (because I certainly don’t hide the fact that I love football), but then the interviewer went off on every trade and bad call he’d witnessed in the last ten years.

It got worse. He then started talking about salary caps in the game, and that led to lost draft opportunities, and before I knew it the talk was totally about football and not about diabetes.

When he finally took a breath, I just pretended that we had been talking about my topic all along. I said, “Oh, it’s true, so many frustrating things when you’re a fan that you have no control over. When you’re a diabetic, there are also things you can’t control. One question diabetics typically ask me is…” and then brought it back to the subject I was there to discuss.

I paused to see if he would pick up on the hint, and he did. (Hey, interviewers are human, and if they go off on an unrelated rant, forgive them! But do bring it back to your topic.)

Don’t Get Ticked

I’ve had quite a few interviews where the person seemed to interview themselves more than they did me. I usually find this hysterical, which is good because a happy interviewee comes off better than a ticked off one. You might have flown or driven to the TV station, carved out time in your precious schedule, and even created special questions or topics to chat about (all of which will be a “waste” when your interviewer gets off track), but don’t sweat it. If you get pissed, your anger will come through and not your message.

Instead, laugh it off. Pretend that you’re having a great time anyways and eventually you will. Don’t look at it as a lost opportunity, because I promise you that good things build slowly from the interviews you do, no matter how much you get to talk about your book. They do make an impact, even if you don’t realize it at the time.

Remember that Atlanta station I mentioned? I kept my cool even though the topic got twisted on me, and after the interview another station (who had listened to it) called me up to be on their station. I got a second interview that was much more on point, just because I was able to roll with things with the first one. Things like that happen all the time. Look at the interviews you do as building blocks. Some of them will get you immediately book sales, while others will just be a piece you use to secure your brand. Either way, you can’t lose.

More Ways to Promote Your Book:

• 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter
• Virtual Book Tours
• Publicize Your Book (Updated): An Insider’s Guide to Getting Your Book the Attention It Deserves
• The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher.

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As you know, I’m a fan of blogs that show repurposed and DIY projects. Well, I have a soft spot for bloggers of any type, but I really like blogs that teach me something. That’s one reason I was happy to find My Repurposed Life, and even more delighted to talk with the blogger behind it, Gail. There are a lot of things I like about the blog (the design, the projects, and especially the spirit). I also enjoyed Gail’s answers to my questions, especially the last bit she added. I know you will as well.

Enjoy this interview.

How did you get started blogging?

Over the last few years I had several life changing incidents. I separated from my husband of 29 years, then I lost my job of 19 years. For all those years I had been a wife, a mother, and a teacher. I had lost sight of who I really was. To keep myself busy I picked up some tools and started creating and repurposing “found” items. I had some online friends from the HGTV Trash to Treasure message boards that shared before and after photos. I started taking pictures and keeping a record of my projects.In July 2009 I jumped in and started writing My Repurposed Life on a whim! I woke up one morning and decided to do it. My daughter Jamie helped me come up with the name. Not only was I repurposing unwanted items, I was also beginning a new journey of repurposing my life.

How often do you update the blog? Is there a set schedule you adhere to, or do you write when inspired?

My blog has become a huge part of my life, I’m not sure if I work on projects so I can blog or if I blog so I can work on projects. I try to update My Repurposed Life 5-6 times a week, having a goal of at least one new project. Most of my projects are step by step tutorials so that my readers can get a real sense of how they can also start repurposing those unwanted items.

I generally do reviews and/or giveaways a few times a month. I love winning giveaways, and it makes me even happier to give something away to one of my readers. They are always so giddy to win! I have a weekly Link Party on Thursday nights, Catch As Catch Can. My daughter Jamie also helped me pen that name. The phrase Catch as Catch Can has been in my family for a few generations. It refers to making do with what you have, generally referring to dinner. When I was younger, my mom worked full time, and on nights when she was too tired to cook, that was my favorite phrase. It meant that I could dig around the cupboards or refrigerator and eat whatever I wanted. The projects I do are a lot like that, making do with what I have on hand to build.

I occasionally have “guest bloggers”, but the content on My Repurposed Life is 99% mine.

What appeals to you in a repurposed project? Are there certain things you look for more than others?

I am drawn to items that are free or cheap. I work on a very tight budget. I find a lot of my items at thrift stores. I have a $5.00 limit. I have found that having a limit cuts down on impulse buys and buyer’s remorse. Rarely do I have to think about purchases. If it is under $5.00 and has good bones, it quickly finds its way to my car. While curb shopping, items I never pass up are shutters, bi-fold doors, old windows, sewing cabinets,cribs, and of course headboards. One of my most popular posts on search engines is my Headboard Bench Tutorial.

Care to share a favorite blog post(s) or project(s)?

I’ve repurposed a lot of items and built many from scratch, however some of my favorite DIY projects are the ones I’ve done to improve my home. I’ve been in this home for 36 years, and it has seen many changes over the years. Times change, tastes change, I’ve changed! A couple of years ago I decided it was time for some updates. In a little over a year, I redid the living room/fireplace, master bedroom, and the kitchen! It would be like choosing a favorite child to say which of those would be my favorite.

Where can we learn more about you?

To learn more about me and why I do what I do, you can check out my blog-My Repurposed Life. The easiest way to view my past projects is in my Picture Galleries, year 1, year 2, and year 3. I hope that you find something that inspires you to think outside the box and look at something different. Interested in “meeting” me? Feel free to stop by my About Me page.

I love blogging, and the blogging community. It is amazing how we can be friends . . . good friends with people we may never meet in real life. We DIY bloggers have a real kinship, we understand one another.

More on DIY:

• DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner: 25 Ways to Build a Self-Reliant Lifestyle
• DIY Art at Home: 28 Simple Projects for Chic Decor on the Cheap
• Real-Life Decor: 100 Easy DIY Projects to Brighten Your Home on a Budget

We’re continuing our interviews with the artsy bloggers today with Cyndi Lavin. If she looks familiar, it’s because we talked to her once before when her fabulous ebook, Every Bead Has a Story was released.

I’ve mentioned before that I met Cyndi from a previous blog network we both worked for. It goes to show you that you never know where new jobs or writing assignments will take you. I like her blog a lot and find so many helpful tips and tutorials, so it’s good that you’ll be meeting her here. I hope you visit her many sites!

Enjoy this interview.

What made you decide to start your blog? When did you begin?

I began blogging back in 2005, but I deleted some of my earliest posts after I changed my mind about what my blogs should be. In the beginning, I posted only pictures of finished pieces and occasionally a link that amused me. As I gradually began to figure out what a valuable platform a blog could be, I switched my primary focus to education, how others could make the pieces that I was making. Secondarily, I focused on what inspired me, creativity, and the design process itself.

Where do you come up with your mixed media ideas?

Usually from the materials themselves. Working in mixed media, whether wearables or non-wearables, every bit and bauble that you pick up seems to have a story to tell, and there is no end to the inspiration that is available.

Please share a favorite blog post link.

I am probably most proud of the e-book that I wrote last year on mixed media bead embroidery, titled Every Bead Has a Story. I released it as individual chapters, and the first chapter with all the introductory material is a free download. So I guess that would be my favorite post as well!

I want everyone who ever thought that they’d like to try expressing themselves through bead embroidery, but thought it would be too difficult to learn, to be able to see how easy it is to get started. Like many other art forms, bead embroidery is easy to start, difficult to master, and impossible to ever be finished with learning. My goal is to never stop learning, and to take others along for the ride!

Let’s switch gears to books. Do you enjoy reading? What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

I love to read, and I run two book groups to prove it The most interesting book I’ve ever read besides the Bible, which is my all-time favorite, is whatever I happen to be reading at the moment. This month it’s the children’s book Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson and The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent.

Where can we learn more about you?

You can learn more than you’ll ever want to know on my blogs and websites:
http://www.beading-arts.com
http://www.mazeltovjewelry.com
http://www.wildestdreamsdesigns.com
http://www.mixed-media-artist.com
http://www.why-not-art.com
http://realfoodfast.blogspot.com

Deatri King-Bey is originally from Decatur, a small town in central Illinois. When she was a child, Decatur was behind the times in just about every way. So behind, they had no idea how to deal with a dyslexic child. Her parents were told she’d never learn how to read, let alone write. Obviously, they were told wrong.

Enjoy this interview.

Tell us about your latest book. What do you hope readers take away from it?

I started in the publishing industry a decade ago as an editor for Third World Press, and then moved to freelance editing for various publishing companies and being published myself. All along I’ve taught workshops on the writing craft and publishing business. A year ago I decided to give self publishing a try and my email blew up! I’d always answered questions from aspiring and published authors about various topics, but all of a sudden the questions increased tenfold with the self-publishing questions added in the mix. I found myself repeating information and realized I have a nonfiction background and am an author. I should write a book that answers the questions I’d been receiving and also answers the questions people didn’t know to ask. Next thing you know, I was 60,000 words into Become a Successful Author. This book covers everything from branding to learning the craft to editing to submissions to self publishing to marketing and a whole lot more.

Since most of the questions I received were via email, I decided to write the book in a conversational tone so even if you don’t know anything about the craft or industry, you feel like you are reading an email from a friend who happens to be in the industry and is explaining things to you. At least that was my intent.

After I completed the book, I knew that there would be more questions, so I contacted several of my friends who have been in the industry for a bit and asked them to help me educate authors on becoming more than published authors. I want to help authors become successful authors. Each month at http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com we post articles to help authors along their journey.

The main take away from the book and website is: Branding is the key. In order to become a successful author, you must build a high quality brand that readers can’t get enough of. Become A Successful Author gives authors the base they need to succeed.

What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

Villains by Necessity by Eve Forward. It’s the best fantasy ever! In it the good has taken over the world and thus become corrupt, so the villains have to save the day.

Book you’re currently reading?

The historical romance Indigoby Beverly Jenkins. This is one of my all time favorite books. I read it at least once a year and was just released in eBook format, so I had to purchase that version also.

Where can we learn more about you?

http://www.BecomeASuccessfulAuthor.com

http://DeatriKingBey.com

http://www.LLReaper.net

Every Sunday I post the Artsy Blogging Links for the week, which include posts from the craftiest people I know. I learn a lot from these talented ladies, and I wanted to introduce you to some of them. The first one you’ll meet? Eileen Bergen.

Enjoy this interview.

What made you decide to start your blog? When did you begin?

Two things made me start:

1. Economic necessity;
2. My husband had the idea. After four years of making and selling my crafts in craft fairs, expos, galleries, and my own little shop, he said, why don’t we start a website. “You could work from home and I could do the techie stuff.” Needless to say, I jumped at the offer. Anyone’s who has done it knows how exhausting schlepping your crafts to fairs and expos is.

We launched The Artful Crafter website August 2004 and the blog July 2006.

Where do you come up with your crafting ideas?

The website started with articles on crafting for profit based on my business experience.

As for the craft projects, I started with all of the things I had been making for customers. I still accept custom orders, and they continue to generate new content.

The biggest driver of new content soon became reader questions. That is so cool, because in the beginning, we chose a motto: The Artful Crafter – Helping Crafters to Be.

Finally, I continue to have inspirations of my own. Now that I’m so involved in the blogosphere, I see a lot of amazing ideas and products that get me going in new directions. It’s really a nice mix.

Please share a favorite (or more!) blog post link.

My favorite story is: “Eileen, It’s a Sign”.

My favorite craft project – boy that’s tough to pick – is How to Make a Secret Box Book. [By the way, my son's name is NOT Sal Popijinisky!]

I’m also very fond of this scrapbook layout I did for my great-niece, Maire: Remember to Smell the Flowers.

My biggest all-time seller (both the item itself and the original pattern) is Panadieres – Fabric Bread Baskets à la Francaise.

Let’s switch gears to books. Do you enjoy reading? What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

Reading is very slow-going for me, since I have dyslexia. So, sorry to say, I don’t read a lot for pleasure.

The most interesting book I’ve ever read is actually a trilogy, C. S. Lewis’ space trilogy (which I read in high school and have re-read twice): Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength .

Where can we learn more about you?

Do you really want to know more? lol.

You can read the About Us page on The Artful Crafter website which tells about my previous careers.

To see where I go from here, sign up to follow The Artful Crafter Blog. We also have a free monthly crafting newsletter which you can subscribe to .

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just how incredibly blessed I feel to have happened upon this career path at an age when most people are thinking of retirement. I love what I’m doing and never want to retire! How ironic that this crafting journey began with us teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Not only has it brought us to financial solvency; but also to a place of joy.

Finally, Cherie, I want to thank you for sharing my story.

Carole Eglash-Kosoff has visited more than seventy countries and is an avid student of history. She researched the decades preceding and following the Civil War for nearly three years, including time in Louisiana, the setting for Winds of Change and her earlier novel, When Stars Align.

Enjoy this interview.

Tell us about your latest book.  What do you hope readers take away from it?

Winds of Change is a multi-layered, multi-racial story set against little known events of the last decades of the 19^th century and the early ones of the 20^th…decades of electric lights, automobiles, airplanes, movies and two major wars.

Share some of your writing goals.  What’s next for you? 

To tell interesting stories.  My next book is non-fiction dramatizing little known events throughout American history.

What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?

There have been too many to mention.  Right now I’m captivated with Gabriel Garcia Marques’ One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Favorite authors?  

Tuchman, Manchester, Jasper Forte

Book you’re currently reading? 

Just read The White Tiger and Cleopatra

Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, how did you get past it? If not, why not? 

Definitely exists.  I walk away and move to a non-writing project until my thoughts help clarify the direction.

In your opinion, what’s the measure of a successful writer? 

Satisfaction with your own product.

Where can we learn more about you? 

My website.