“I write with my co-author, David W. Small, and it took us about one year to write the book. Between passing files back and forth during the writing portion and then extensive editing sessions, it takes us many months to completely finish a book.”

Debra Martin 11 May 2011

The Back Cover

Royal Otharian twins Darius and Dyla Telkur have a big problem: they know too much about a secret sect of their countrymen living on the forbidden planet Earth. On a previous trip to Earth, they traced the sect’s lineage back to the time of Merlin, but a run-in with a local crime boss forced them back to Otharia before they could unravel the mystery.

Now Dyla is dreaming again. Her dreams of the London crime boss portend an imminent threat to her family and she has no choice but to secretly return to Earth to find out what they mean. What the twins don’t realize is they’re walking into a conspiracy involving a centuries old interplanetary smuggling operation. Will they be able to capitalize on their superior PSI powers to get the answers they need before they fall victim to a telekinetic assassin that has followed them across the galaxy?

About the Book

What is the book about?

The Crystal Façade is an action-adventure, science fiction book that follows the continuing troubles of royal Otharian twins, Darius and Dyla Telkur. Darius has secured the Telkur throne, but there is unrest in nearby duchies and he must lend his support to his fellow Dukes. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Dyla, a strong empath who has dream visions, is haunted by visions of Lord Blackheart, a mob boss from Earth. Otharia and Earth are connected dating back to the time of Merlin the Magician, but it is a secret that has been closely guarded. The twins must find out what that connection means before assassins on both planets find and eliminate them.

How long did it take you to write it?

I write with my co-author, David W. Small, and it took us about one year to write the book. Between passing files back and forth during the writing portion and then extensive editing sessions, it takes us many months to completely finish a book.

Where did you get the idea from?

Dave and I wanted to write about another world, Otharia, and how it could possibly be connected to Earth.  We decided on the Arthurian legend, specifically, Merlin and the Lady of the Lake as ancient Otharians left on Earth after a tragic incident with fellow teammates.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not in this book because the world was already set up in QUEST FOR NOBILITY.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

A couple of the characters are based on people that we know, all the others are fictitious.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, the scifi reader who likes action adventure because the books are loaded with action. We have heard from readers that Crystal Façade is a stand-alone novel so you don’t necessarily need to know the back story in the first book to enjoy this one.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Writing with a co-author can be tricky.  In the beginning Dave and I struggled with the flow of the book because we write very similar to each other, but now our writing is seamless.  It’s hard to remember who write what anymore which is good for the reader.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just Chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

We do outline – a basic plot from beginning to end and then chapter outlines with a couple of sentences in each so in that one both Dave and I can stay on track with the writing.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

We edit as we go along.  Before a chapter goes into the main file, it usually gets edited a couple of time and then there’s a big edit at the end.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Not yet, but we plan to when our next book is finished.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I find listening to music much too distracting.  I like it quiet when I write.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, we did submit our books to agents and we got lots of rejections although some of the agents wrote personal notes back to us saying the books had potential, but they didn’t love it enough to take it on.  At least we knew our books didn’t suck.

What made you decide to go Indie? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

When I found out about self-publishing at Amazon and now at Barnes & Noble, it was an immediate decision to publish.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?

Our covers were done by T.M. Roy.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’ve spent countless hours on marketing – online at Facebook, twitter and my blog; getting reviews for the book and a few sponsorships as well.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I think first and foremost, after you write your book, edit, edit, edit. Having beta readers is absolutely essential. Fresh eyes can catch plot holes, inconsistencies and typos. Next it’s imperative that you have a great cover to catch a reader’s eyes and then a book blurb that will draw them in and make them buy the book.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Arlington, MA

Where do you live now?

In a small town north of Boston, MA

What would you like readers to know about you?

I loved writing my entire life and now with epublishing, my dream of being a published author came true.

What are you working on now?

Dave and I are working on a fantasy involving assassins, witches and prophesy.  We hope to have it finished by 2011.  Then it will be off to the beta readers and the editor.

End of Interview

You can buy The Crystal Facade at Amazon US, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.