“I totally understand that New York has tough decisions to make and taking chances are not always financially feasible. I also now understand the drive, pleasure and opportunity in being master of my own fate. The indie experience has been incredible.”
Rebecca Forster 08 June 2012
The Back Flap
In a remote mountain community, the execution of a grocer and the abduction of a world-renowned model leave the local sheriff searching for a connection, two killers and a woman who is running for her life. In the next 48 hours, Sheriff Dove Connelly will peel back the layers of intrigue beneath the tranquil camaraderie of his mountain enclave and find that nothing is what it seems.
As Dove sets his investigation in motion, Tessa Bradley, a hard assed Texas gal, faces off with her abductors. Her rangy beauty doesn’t mean a damn thing to the foreign men holding her at gunpoint. Just as one of them pulls the trigger, Tessa lashes out. Wounded but alive, she escapes her captors only to find greater peril lies ahead. As her life flashes before her eyes, Tessa struggles to stay alive, prays for rescue, and fights for her soul’s salvation.
About the Book
What is the book about?
This book is about what people will do when faced with death – acceptance, sacrifice, betrayal.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing this book eight years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote this book twice. Once with caution; once with abandon. The second time the manuscript took about nine months to finish.
Where did you get the idea from?
Eight years ago both my dad and my father-in-law were in the last stages of their lives. They died within three months of one another. I was more active in nursing my father-in-law because of logistics, but both these men not only taught me a lot about the dignity of dying but also about the desire to live. Many of the fantasy elements in this book were inspired by what I observed by their bedsides.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled with truly writing from the heart. Make no mistake, this is a thriller but there are very personal parts of this book that almost ended up on the cutting floor.
What came easily?
Seeing through Tessa’s eyes. She was as clear to me as if she were standing by my side telling me what words to put in her mouth.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
In every book I write, I borrow from real life whether it be in a character’s attitude, a point of view, a situation or simply a real person’s physical attributes.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Stephen King was a great influence because of his talent for characterization. I also like Wilkie Collins. He wrote Woman in White, a book that is considered to be the first legal procedural. I also have a couple of favorite indie authors that have been recent inspirations: David Wisehart, Kate Gordon, Anonymous-9. I have a lot of respect for any artist who takes chances.
Do you have a target reader?
No. I used to think because I focus on women that my audience was primarily women. It’s been great to find that I have a lot of male readers. Before Her Eyes also had a great following in teens. That really surprised me. I think readers are readers. Tell a good story and a reader will find you.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I’ve been working everyday at a small coffee shop near my home for twelve years. I set up by 7:30 a.m. (sometimes earlier) and then write or edit until 1-2:00 p.m. Then I spend time on line answering email , social media, conference presentations, etc. I work all the time.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just Chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I always know the beginning and end of my books. It’s like a movie in my head. I sometimes outline middle.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
When I reach ‘bout 30,000 words I seriously edit to make sure I’m on the right track. Then I might outline the middle just to keep all the red herrings straight.
I Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes. I have used the same story editor for 25 years. She was my lucky charm when I published with New York and continues to be an incredible guiding voice for everything I do.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Talk radio! I am always plugged into talk radio. If it ever gets boring I go over to Pandora and have stations with Baroque, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett and Michael Crawford. I’m kind of all over the place.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I am one of the lucky ones. I actually had a solid writing career before I went indie so I’ve experienced both worlds.
What made you decide to go Indie? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
My editor and agent didn’t see a future for Before Her Eyes. I really believed in it. Funny thing, this book has had the greatest reader response. I totally understand that New York has tough decisions to make and taking chances are not always financially feasible. I also now understand the drive, pleasure and opportunity in being master of my own fate. The indie experience has been incredible.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?
Initially, I did the covers myself, but I needed them to look sharper. I also expanded six of my books into print and Hostile Witness is soon to be an audio book. The graphic requirements for these areas were beyond me for the expansion.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
My marketing plan is pretty basic and is not directed for the benefit of one book. I’d like people to give my work a try so I am active on Twitter, Facebook and Linked in. I also so guest blogs on some sites. Since I have so many books, I market my name and hope readers will check out my list and give one or two a try.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Pay close attention to craft. This isn’t just about a well-edited book but about a well-constructed book. Have a good story, write dialogue that rings true, understand pacing. Find a trusted voice (preferably not your mother) who will be honest about your work before you publish.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Born in Missouri, lived in Alaska, grew up in California.
Where do you live now?
California
What would you like readers to know about you?
That I feel like this is the best time of my life. I’ve been married for 36 years to a very kind and supportive man who always believed in my writing. I have two grown sons are not only funny but they are gentlemen. My mom is still with me and I get to travel with her. I have an unending curiosity, I will try my hand at just about anything, and one of the coolest things I ever did was spend 2 days on the USS Nimitz after landing on deck by tail hook.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fifth book of the witness series. I have been so thrilled with the response to Josie, Hannah and Archer that those characters are a part of my life now.
End of Interview:
For more you can visit Rebecca’s website.
Before Her Eyes can be found at Amazon US (or in paper), Amazon UK, or Smashwords.
I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to talk about Before Her Eyes. This is an amazing site. Thank you for your support of all indie writers. We truly, truly appreciate it.
Rebecca
I reviewed “Before Her Eyes” and couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I finished it. Rebecca is a great writer, grabbing the reader right at the beginning and carrying them through to the end.
Great interview.
I’ll be reviewing it elsewhere in the next week or two, Debra, so all I’ll say for the moment is, you’re right. 🙂
I’ve read at least two of her legal thrillers (the Witness series) and loved them also.
I am always so pleased when, as an author since 1994, I can lavish praise on a colleague. Rebecca Forster is what I call, “an author’s author.” Her writing inspires me; her craft facility is instructional; and her ability to take the reader places they had no intention of going comes with the ease that only dedicated performance can provide. While her genre is not what I normally read, I love her stories and especially her method of displaying the weakness of her characters as they struggle to cope with life. Whenever I need a reminder of what I should be doing as a writer, I re-read one of Rebecca’s books. And to top it all off, an electronic friendship has taught me that she is a forthright, honorable person who loves and cares for those around her. Would that everyone could have such a supportive person in their lives. Thanks, Rebecca, for being this colleague’s sounding board on more than one occasion. May your writing continue to entertain and inspire readers for years to come. Gordon Ryan
Thanks for the comment, Gordon. I couldn’t agree more, about both Rebecca and her books.
As a new indie author, I’ve been as pleased by the experience as you are, Rebecca. Having been published in other genres by traditional publishers helped because I knew what all went into creating a polished finished product, including having a top-notch, no-holds-barred editor. The indie books that bring all of us down are those who don’t think they need a professional editor or any professional help. Their books look like it.
And thanks for this blog. Great place to share our experiences!
Thanks for the comment, Eleanor. I’ve noticed that those authors who have been traditionally published seem much less likely to skimp on editing help. I think maybe they’re more likely to understand how much difference that makes in the final product and also to realize how unrealistic it is to think they can do it without. I don’t mean to imply that there aren’t those who haven’t been published traditionally who don’t do this as well, just that those in that group seem more prone to deciding they don’t need help or not getting enough.
You’ve hooked me–I’m picking up Before Her Eyes and look forward to reading.
As another trad-pubbed author turned Indie, I agree that the experience is rewarding. Finding and interacting with readers has been nothing short of a thrill.
And I agree that editors are gold