But I don’t think being an Indie means that everything you do has to be independent. I believe the new breed of author will be one who makes independent decisions for each new title created.
Lia Fairchild – 9 January 2014
The Back Flap
Four life-long friends bound by promises and two decades of laughter, love, and secrets. Once inseparable, the four grow into independent adults pursuing very different paths.
Sage, raised by career-driven parents, follows a carefully laid out future of success that leaves her wondering what she’s missed out on.
Emily, the college drop-out, now has three children that have become her whole life. She’s slowly lost herself, subconsciously seeking dangerous ways to cope. Can she find herself in time?
Jax always lived on the edge, skating through life with no apparent ambition, yet remained the energy and emotional cement of the group. She longs for her friends to accept her without trying to fix her.
Ned, Emily’s twin brother, yearns to stand up and be counted. But his old loyalties and new feelings for one of the girls has him pulled in different directions.
Will the ties that held them together as kids be strong enough for them as adults? These four friends will discover the true meaning of friendship and unveil truths about themselves they never knew existed.
About the book
What is the book about?
Circle in the Sand is a touching story of four childhood friends who are now adults trying to stay connected amidst the trials of life. Each one is at a cross roads of sort, a point in life when you have to decide if things are working or if you need to make a change. Some are discovering love, some are struggling with a secret, and others just want to be accepted.
When did you start writing the book?
I’m taking a guess on this one, because I actually don’t remember. I believe I started thinking about the concept in April or May so I probably started the writing process sometime in May.
How long did it take you to write it?
The book took me about 7-8 months to plan and write. Then I spent another month or two in the revision/editing process.
Where did you get the idea from?
I almost always remember when an idea hits me, but not in this case. I only remember that I wanted to write contemporary fiction/romance since that is similar to what my debut novel was. I really enjoy writing stories about people and relationships. That first novel did so well and reached the top 100 on Amazon. I feel this one will connect with readers just as well. I also knew that I wanted to write this book in a different style than my last two, with each character having their own voice in a chapter, similar to the way Jodi Picoult has done in books.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
In the beginning it was somewhat difficult to get used to writing as each character independently. Essentially, I had to become each of these women, speak in their voice, and react in a way that is consistent with their personalities. And, I had to do this for the male main character as well. Strangely, I felt pretty locked in to the male from the start and had no problem being in his head.
What came easily?
Besides the ease of writing from the male’s perspective, I also found dialogue comes very easy to me. I think that’s a big part of what makes my characters distinctive and likable. Many of my reviews commend me on the ability to create real characters that people become quickly endeared to.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
I love this question because usually the characters in my book have a little something I borrow from people I know. But this time, the three women each have a small piece of me in them. Somehow I took three completely different women and gave them each a little bit of me. Then I made sure to give them each their own distinctive characteristics that don’t have anything to do with me. Even the male character, Ned, has a little bit of my personality in him. Of course I’ll never tell what is me and what is make believe.
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?
I love to read a variety of traditionally published authors and indie authors. I learn something new from all the books I read. From some recent indie authors, I’ve learned that there are still ways to be unique and that you don’t have to follow all the rules.
Do you have a target reader?
Since I write in a variety of genres including contemporary fiction, romance, mystery, and thriller, it’s tough to pinpoint my target reader. I think at some point I’ll settle into one or two genres and focus on a more targeted reader base.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process is based partially on my focus issues. I can’t sit at the computer and simply create. My first step is to build a story in my mind. I go for long walks planning the story and getting to know the characters. Once I’ve created this world, I like to sort of live in it a while by thinking about it and the characters. This way, once I sit down to write, it’s more like I’m recalling the details from memory versus having to create them.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t use an extensive outline. And I actually don’t even go to an outline until after I’ve started the book. I like to get the beginning underway and figure out where things are going to go, then I’ll do a quick outline that includes chapter headings and a few sentences of what will happen in each chapter. My detail comes in the character table I create. With four main characters who all have to be distinctive, I really needed something to help guide me. For this, I listed each character and included physical attributes, history, personality traits, goals, conflicts, and ultimate outcomes based on those conflicts. Again, I really needed to get to know these characters and let them live a little before writing them down.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I do edit as I go, but then I edit after as well. As I write, I’ll change little things. Then once the chapter is done, I’ll go back and read it several times to see if any adjustments need to be made.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes. This is so important, especially as Indies. I learned that valuable lesson with my very first novel, In Search of Lucy. At that time, the book was more of a life accomplishment. I didn’t have it edited and the initial reviews reflected that. Thankfully that book was picked up by AmazonEncore, an Amazon Publishing division, and they had the book edited and re-released.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes I listen to music if I feel I need the inspiration or motivation. I like 80s, 70s, sometimes I’ll pick a particular artist or genre that gets me more in touch with the feelings I’m trying to relay in the story.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Honestly, the whole agent thing confuses me. I’ve never had one, never sought out one. I wouldn’t even know where to start. Two of my titles are with a publisher and the rest are self-published and I didn’t need an agent for any of that. I’m not closed off to the concept; it’s just not for me at this time.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
When I wrote In Search of Lucy, I had no idea what to do once it was done. I found out about Kindle Direct Publishing and that seemed like the best and fastest way to get my book out to the public. But I don’t think being an Indie means that everything you do has to be independent. I believe the new breed of author will be one who makes independent decisions for each new title created. I’ve recently been talking with another publisher about a new book, but I still plan to continue to put titles out there on my own.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I’ve done my own covers in the past, but I don’t consider myself proficient as a designer. I wanted something very special for this cover and was fortunate enough to find someone who could make that happen.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
My plan is to get the word out to as many blogs, websites, fanpages, reviewers, and readers as possible on January 7, the release day. No venue is too small in my mind. There will be a release day blitz with blogs reviewing ARCs that went out before Christmas. In addition, there will be a giveaway of an Amazon gift card included on the blogs that feature the book. Finally, I will reach out to friends, family, and past readers. Indie authors rely on word of mouth and networking to get their books noticed. I can only hope that these friends and readers will understand what a challenge this is and be motivated to help me spread the word.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Beyond just the writing, the business side of being an indie author is a ton of work. You are your own boss and employee. You have to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry and I wouldn’t wait until you have your first completed manuscript to do that. As you write your first book, start your research and begin networking. It’s important to meet other authors, bloggers, reviewers, etc., so you can begin to participate in mutual working relationships. One of the coolest things I’ve found is that indie authors are super generous and expert in paying it forward.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I’m a born and raised southern California girl. I moved out of state twice, only to return shortly after.
Where do you live now?
Still in SoCal. J Yes, we just had an 80 degree Christmas.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I would love for readers to know how much pure joy I get from making them happy. I’ve had days where the books weren’t selling but I’d receive a message from someone saying how much they loved a particular book. That encouragement alone makes my day and keeps me motivated to write the next book.
What are you working on now?
With Circle in the Sand released, I’ve recently begun writing a romance series that centers around four brothers. I’m planning for three or four books which I may release together or possibly a closely staggered release for each book.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Circle in the Sand from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).