As you probably know by now, the staff authors here at Indies Unlimited are referred to as minions. No one is sure exactly how or when that started, but it stuck. What you may not realize is that all the minions (and everyone) here at IU work for free. That’s right, they don’t get a dime out of this. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts. So our Fearless Leader (admin) thought it would be nice to give some props to the minions by featuring each of them in a spotlight interview. We hope you enjoy it.
What is your name?
Yvonne Hertzberger. What? Nooo, I do NOT have a middle name. I get to pick a new one any time it suits me. My father used to say it was “Lovely”. That stopped when I grew up and he realized … well maybe we shouldn’t go there. Heh.
What is your quest?
To meet Glick in that cave so I can tell him off. He was way too mean to M’rain and would not do as I told him to. Crusty old lizard. So what if he has magic.?
Oh, you mean… Well, having a movie made from my trilogy would be awesome.
What is your favorite color?
Yesterday it was sunny yellow, but it’s also been teal, aqua, burgundy, aubergine, coral – I think I just like colour, period.
What the heck were you thinking when you did that one thing that one time?
Where!? When? What were you told? Oh, I get it, you’re hoping for blackmail material. Hah. Not falling for that old gambit. Um, you didn’t hear it from Lynne did you? Who else knows?
If you could be a tree, what kind would you be?
A hall tree. I get cold and all those coats will keep me warm.
When was your first book published?
Back From Chaos: Book One Of Earth’s Pendulum was published in 2009. Klast is still my favourite character. My writing gets better all the time but I don’t think there will ever be another Klast.
What is your favorite genre to write?
Fantasy, with or without some magic. I don’t like to be boxed in by reality. Some Magic Realism too. I like low technology society settings but play with modern mores within them.
What’s the best part about writing? What’s the hardest?
The best part? I just love it when a character tells me where to go and if I listen, the story just flows so smoothly for a while and I know I nailed that part. The dialogue is natural, the feelings and character traits fit. That feels so good.
The hardest is keeping the tension sustained. I don’t do fight scenes well either. And editing – I’m not a detail person.
No, let me rethink that. Promotion and marketing. I didn’t mention it earlier because it feels like torture and I don’t even want to think about it.
What makes being a part of the IU community important to you?
IU is a family. I would be lost without my brothers and sisters in crime. We celebrate together, we complain together, we laugh together, we support each other through rough patches, all the things good families do. And I learn a lot. It also feels good to be part of something that makes a difference to others that makes their work easier. We all work here as volunteers, yet it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. (begins to blubber. Sniff. “I love you guys.”)Sure wish the gruel would improve, though.
Why do you choose to go Indie?
I did some research before I went Indie. I discovered how long it could take if I tried the Trad route before anyone would get to read my offerings, how much control I would have to give up re: title, cover, plot, etc. I discovered how little support I could expect in promotion and marketing. I’m a bit of a control freak. Don’t mess with my art, my characters, my story just to make it fit in a box that might sell better. This way if I fail I have no one else blame. So far, I don’t believe I have failed. Those who read my stories mostly really like them. It’s not about the money; it’s about doing what I love and seeing others enjoy the results.
What do you love most about being an indie?
This sort of fits with the last answer. I have artistic freedom and control over my work. I choose everything, even the cover. While I do have my work professionally edited and formatted, and I get professional covers, in the end the choices are mine. I have the last word.
What are you working on now?
My fifth novel will be a bit different because it has no magic in it. It is still Fantasy Romance, because it takes place in a world that never really existed, though it bears some resemblance to medieval England. I get to play with values, mores and gender roles that are quite different from that era. Strangely, I keep getting more critical of my own work, which means this one is taking a long time. In the end I hope the headaches will be worth it.
Way to go, Yvonne! I think you nailed it when you talked about going Indie:
It’s not about the money; it’s about doing what I love and seeing others enjoy the results.
Exactly. 🙂
Yvonne, I can’t wait to read your next book!
Thank you Greta. It is a slow one I’m afraid.
Loved your answer about why you are an independent author. My sentiments exactly. I chose to self-publish because I didn’t want anyone telling me what to write, making me re-write any port of “my” story. My book is historical fiction about a small town on the coast of Oregon and I just want people to read it, to appreciate the history, the flavor of the town and all the charm I have come to appreciate.
Loved reading your interview.
Thanks Greta. I think many of us Indies feel that way.
Thanks Helen. We’re a growing club I think.
The next book sounds interesting, that’s for sure. “Sword-but-no-Sorcery” is my favourite genre. Sign me up for a beta read!
Wow, thanks for the offer Gordon. I’m afraid it will be a while but I’ll remember the offer.
Hi, Yvonne. I liked your take on writing. 5 books? Terrific. At age 87, I can’t wait until I publish the one I’m working on. Keep writing it’s healthy,
Hey, we’re never too old. 🙂
Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing about yourself. Like the others who commented above, I relate with so much of what you said. Good luck with your next book!