Author Linda Prather says her early style was compared to Mary Higgins Clark, and recently to Tony Hillerman. “I think my basic style changes with my mood. It ranges from simplistic to literary. I love character driven fiction, and it isn’t unusual for my characters to take over the story and move it in directions I never expected it to take.”
She says she loves complicated stories with unique plots and sub-plots, creating characters that readers can love or hate, evoking emotion and painting pictures with words.
A single word can kick start her imagination and from there a book will flow. “I love dreaming scenes and will often go to bed and concentrate on a specific character or chapter to wake in the morning with fresh ideas and at times new characters,” she says.
For Linda, finding the time to write is the most challenging part of being a writer. “I try to take one week off a year and do nothing but write or edit. During that week I can usually finish at least one book. I also tend to get up an hour early to write prior to beginning my work day.”
Because marketing can be extremely difficult without a great deal of free time, Linda does use paid advertising. She says, “Pixel of Ink, ENT and Ebook Lovers along with several other facebook sites which have a huge following can really be beneficial and yield good results. I’ve tried Facebook ads with no success, and I actually tried Google ads with lots of clicks, very few buys. I would not recommend that route.”
Linda also does cross-promotion with other authors on both facebook and twitter. She says this has also yielded good results. “Ebook promotion was difficult for me in the beginning as I loved meeting the public and interacting with those looking at my books. Selling online took that personal touch away, but I’m finding through social media marketing that I can still interact with my readers as well as other authors. I still believe that word of mouth is the best marketing tool available to an author. Find 100 people that love your books, and they tell 100 people who tell 100 people,” she says.
Linda has had a busy year, but has still found time to read books by other indie authors including, Mel Comley; Karen Cantwell; Libby Hellmann; Larry Enright and Valerie Maarten. She has many others on her TBR list. “I love Indie books as they give heart to stories. Most Indie books are not just a rehash of prior books, but a whole new take on perhaps a familiar subject.”
Her advice to aspiring writers? “Read, read, read and write, write, write. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Most Indie authors are quick to accept a call for help in writing, formatting and editing. I think the overnight success dream is probably a thing of the past. However, good authors–Indie or traditionally published both need the same thing: A good story properly edited and formatted with a unique professional looking cover. Next comes a workable marketing plan. You can spread yourself so thin that you really don’t have time to work your plan. Keep a journal of what you’re doing, when and where. Follow the results and slowly eliminate those that are not working, and add new avenues as time permits.”
Linda’s forthcoming book is Bet You Can’t Find Me. This title is tentatively scheduled for launch in the mid-January, 2012.
Catherine Mans has only one marketable talent—the ability to see and hear what others can’t. With the help of Homicide Sergeant Cody Allen she’s turned that talent into a successful profession as a psychic consultant. But Catherine has a past. And now the past is intruding and someone is destroying everything she worked to build, and everyone she loves. She finds herself in a battle of wits without the benefit of her psychic abilities. To save herself, and those she loves she must face the demons of her past, and answer the challenge of a deranged psychic. Bet you can’t…FIND ME.
The book is in the first professional edit stage and Linda hopes to send out review copies in the new few weeks.
Learn more about Linda and her writing from her website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook.
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Great advice! I have been writing for only two years and did not expect or get overnight success. I feel as though I am headed in the right direction now and things are falling into place, but it is hard work.
Thank you, Stephen and Indies Unlimited. Love your site, and the posts. Wishing you all a Happy New Year with lots of success.
Always a delight to have you Linda! 🙂
Great post and wonderful advice! I'm biased, of course, because Linda Prather is my adopted Sister in Crime. I love her work ethics and her generosity and she also writes awesome books.
Thanks for the shout-out, Linda.
But I want everyone to know that I read FIND ME, and it's fabulous! You need to read this book. I learned a lot about paranormal activity. Loved the characters too.
Stephen Hise and company of IU have made this a great blog. The interesting articles and having interviews with fascinating authors such as Linda Prather make this a go to site every day.
Thank you Greta! It always helps to have great guests like you and Linda. 🙂
Linda is one of my favourite authors, can't wait to get Bet you can't find me. 😉
That's one of the most intriguing covers I've seen in a long time. Good luck with it.