Book Blogger Spotlight: Big Al

Book bloggers provide a vital nexus between the reading public and the writers of books. The fortunes of an individual book can rise or fall on the recommendations of book bloggers. It was mommy bloggers who propelled E.L. James into stardom, highlighting their importance in facilitating the discoverability of books that could otherwise (and all too easily) remain obscure. The point is, they’re kind of a big deal and they deserve a little recognition. This week, we turn the spotlight on one of our faves – an all-around cool guy and tough customer, Big Al.

Big Al runs both Big Al’s Books and Pals and The Indie View. We are also proud to claim him as a feared and respected member of the Indies Unlimited staff. Continue reading “Book Blogger Spotlight: Big Al”

No Names, No Jackets

Today I am interviewing John Rickards who has recently launched a new website dedicated to the discovery of good books merely (and I use that term ironically) by the writing. From the website: No Names, No Jackets (aka 3NJ) is a book discovery service with an innovative twist: all you see here is one chapter from a story without knowing who wrote it, whether it was self-published or traditional, its synopsis, its title, or what its cover looks like. We all say that good writing should be the only thing that matters, not good salesmanship or high profile. 3NJ aims to make that a reality … Continue reading “No Names, No Jackets”

Meet the Movie Producer

Once in a while the Facebook gods smile on a poor, hapless individual such as myself. I don’t have thousands of friends, I like my comfort zone. But there are times I will reach out to someone and make a friend request. I’d seen a post by a friend, and there were several replies to it. One person’s replies intrigued me, so I sent a friend request. He accepted, and little did I know, that’s how I met a movie producer and screenwriter.

Daniel Noe, of Minority Pictures, LLC, has been in the business over 30 years. He’s spent six of that running his own company and another 24 in various “ATL” and “BTL” positions (these are industry terms for budget. “Above The Line” refers to Producers, Director, and Lead talent. “Below The Line” refers to the various pre-production/production departments and post-production).

I asked him if I could interview him for both my blog and the IU blog, he readily agreed. I typed up 10 questions that I thought would-be screenwriting authors might like to know. Yes, my inquiring mind wanted to know too! Continue reading “Meet the Movie Producer”

Publisher Interview: Heather Savage

Staccato Publishing and digital imprint, Darkest Night Publishing are the companies of author and publisher Heather (HK) Savage. Heather comes from a decade of editing and marketing experience as well as a stint in insurance working with contracts and negotiating settlements with attorneys. “Staccato Publishing officially opened its doors March of 2011 with two authors. We now have six authors with an epidemic of 4 and 5 star reviews from large and small industry reviewers and several titles now on the shelf at local indie bookstores and large retail chains such as Barnes & Noble,” she says.

Last year she put out eight books (three digitally, five traditionally) in the Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, and Mystery genres. “Some titles are YA and some adult. We are due to release between six and eight in 2013 in those same categories. Digital releases require less lead time and therefore can be prepared more quickly. We have several titles that will be fall 2013 or spring 2014 that fall into that category.” Continue reading “Publisher Interview: Heather Savage”