Always, always, always hire an editor. Always.

Keely Brooke Keith – 11 January 2015

The Back Flap

Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land, a landmass in the South Atlantic Ocean undetectable to the outside world. When injured fighter pilot Connor Bradshaw’s parachute carries him from the war engulfing the 2025 world to her hidden land, his presence threatens her plans, her family, and the survival of her preindustrial society. As Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated. Written like a historical, set like a scifi, and filled with romance, The Land Uncharted weaves adventure and love in this suspenseful story of a hidden land.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Land Uncharted is set in a land that is hidden to our technology, but a group of Americans settled there seven generations ago. The story follows Lydia Colburn, the village’s physician, and what happens when a navy pilot is ejected from his aircraft and arrives in the Land.

When did you start writing the book?

I came up with the story concept years ago and made notes, but didn’t start writing it until January 2013.

How long did it take you to write it?

I finished the first draft in October 2013, so nearly ten months, but it went through a lot of revision over the next few months.

Where did you get the idea from?

Staring at maps, researching my family history, people watching, and daydreaming.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Hurting characters. But I knew if I didn’t hurt the characters, I wouldn’t have a story. It was hard, but I had to do it.

What came easily?

All the rest. I love writing and the stories just pour out.

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

Entirely fictitious. If any character reminded me of someone–real or from another story–I went in a different direction.

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’m drawn to the classics for story and style.

Do you have a target reader?

Readers who enjoy clean fiction.

About Writing

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

My writing involves a lot of daydreaming. Once the story starts to form, I start scribbling. I take my notes to the computer and organize them into a loose plot, then start writing.

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

I plot loosely with maybe a few lines for each chapter. The final story will differ from the plot because as I write I learn more about the characters and where they need to go and how they need to get there.

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

I’ll write a scene or two then read it before I move on. That is by no means my final edit. I’ll read through and edit 4-6 times after the first draft is written. Then I send it to a few beta readers and revise accordingly. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Always, always, always hire an editor. Always.

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

I like to listen to music while I dream up the story, but then I like it quiet while I write. The type of music depends on the type of scene.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes and I had a lot of encouraging responses about my writing, but this project is a genre-blend that most traditional publishers consider difficult to market, so I was repeatedly advised to go with a small press on this project.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

The Land Uncharted was first signed with one small press, but they cancelled all their not-yet-published contracts, which included mine. I shopped it a little more and immediately had multiple offers, but by then I knew what a small press did and knew I could do that for myself. I started Edenbrooke Press and have loved every minute of it.

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

I hired a professional cover designer.

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

I had an extensive marketing plan and implemented it. A lot of it is ongoing.

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

Get your work critiqued and listen to criticism. Don’t rush the book to market because it’s easy to upload on KDP or Smashwords. Hire an editor. Hire a cover designer. Put together a marketing plan and then carry it out.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from Missouri, but I grew up moving around the country.

Where do you live now?

Outside Nashville, Tennessee.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I consider them as I write.

What are you working on now?

I’m getting Uncharted Redemption, Book Two in the Uncharted series, ready to launch in March 2015!

End of Interview:

For more, visit Keely’s website. You can also follow her on social media: Pick, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or all of the above.

Get your copy of The Land Uncharted from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.