This week I’d like to introduce you to another author. Barbara Russell is an entomologist and a soil biologist. Or as she would put it, she digs in the dirt looking for bugs. Nature and books have always been her passion. When she was growing up when she read Ivanhoe by Sir W. Scott and fell in love with medieval novels.
Let’s find out some more about Barbara:
Have you written works in collaboration with other writers, and if so: why did you decide to collaborate and did it affect your sales? I co-wrote The Martian Zombie with H. J. Hewett and it was a lovely experience. Writing becomes a brainstorming of ideas and is incredibly fun. I don’t know about the sales yet, but promoting the book was easier.
How often do you write, and do you have a special time during the day to write? I write as much as I can, whenever I can, wherever I am. Except the bus I read on the bus.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand? Laptop. The Word spelling check is a lifesaver for someone like me who’s dyslexic.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you? Plot and outline. I can’t pants. No way. I get frustrated, haha.
What is the hardest thing about writing? Writing is amazing. I love writing. I don’t love promoting, lol
How long on average does it take you to write a book? Three-four weeks so far… if I don’t have re-writing to do.
Do you ever get Writer’s Block, and do you have any tips for getting through it? I think it depends on what you mean with Writer’s Block. If you mean that a writer sits down and can’t write anything, then no. It has never happened to me. Also, I believe that many writers who complain about a writer’s block probably use the wrong writing technique. I’ve seen that usually pantsers tend to fall in the writer’s block trap, but maybe it’s because they aren’t real pantsers. Maybe they need to plot out the book first, and then start writing.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books? Ebooks, always, for ever and ever.
Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit? Yep, I do that, so I can edit with fresh eyes.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process? Absolutely. I, myself, choose the books by the covers (sorry folks, but it’s true.) A good cover is the best promotion.
Would you or do you use a PR agency? If I had the money, yes, why not?
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews? I don’t read reviews. Ever. A compliment stays with me a moment. A harsh word stays with me forever. Besides, some one star reviews aren’t reviews or feedback, but just plain insults, and I don’t think any author needs that.
What do you think of “trailers” for books, and do you have a trailer/will you create one for your own work? I love them! I always make them for my books using ‘Director.’ Super easy to use.
What is your favourite motivational phrase? If everything seems under control, then you just aren’t going fast enough—Mario Andretti, racing driver
What is your favourite movie and why? 300!! Love that film. It’s perfection. There’s everything I love: history, myth, action, and a love story
What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t eat gherkins. Never. Ever.
What marketing strategies do you find most helpful? Any resources you would recommend to other authors or aspiring authors? I use Silver Dagger book tours for promotion. The owner, Maia, organises a one-month blog tour for the book, and it’s an amazing experience.
Email: russell.barbara.84@gmail.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-russell
Twitter: @brussell84Kiwi
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RussellBarbara84
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07HHJGBBX
Blog: https://barbararussell.blogspot.co.nz
All-author: https://allauthor.com/profile/brussell/
Landing page: https://mailchi.mp/f3c0a9bf3544/barbararussell
Latest published book:A Damsel in Shiny Armor
Genre: Steampunk/Arthurian fantasy/Romance
Publisher: Champagne Books Group
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UMotOH
After fighting dragons, wild Vikings, and clockwork monsters, Nathair is facing the biggest challenge of his life: proposing to Bryhannon. Apparently, flowers and a three-month salary worth ring aren’t enough because she doesn’t seem thrilled by the proposal. She has a devastating power to control, Reapers to face, and more importantly she has to find the courage to tell Nathair that she’s a Morrigan.
This wraps up another week. Next time, I’ll return with more about my own work and another snippet from Carnage in Singapore. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading.
I love Barbara’s writing! Definitely checking this out
Thanks! And thank you Randall for having me 🙂