1. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
From the moment I was wrongfully convicted, not once but three times, of a crime I did not commit, I was compelled to write about my experience.
2. How long have you been writing? How many books have you written?
My brief professional writing experience, as a health beauty columnist for a Philadelphia newspaper, occurred nearly fifty years ago.
3. What made you want to self-publish?
As a novice author, void of celebrity and/or otherwise notoriety, self-publishing was a viable option for getting my story to readers.
4. Would you recommend new authors self-publish, and would you recommend Gatekeeper Press?
Self-publishing is the best option for a new author to publish their book(s). However, a word of caution, it must be a reputable company such as Gatekeeper Press. After a horrible experience of being ripped off by a different, supposedly top of the line self-publishing company, I was devastated. Fortunately, Gatekeeper’s team of qualified professionals, addressed every issue and produced a book I’m extremely proud off.
5. What do you do marketing-wise to help announce and sell your books?
My marketing strategy includes a newly released book trailer, obtaining book reviews through Booktribe.com, participating in an author’s giveaway contest, book signings, social media promotions and advertising.
6. What advice do you have for a new or fledgling author?
Writing a book is an excellent means of memorializing your truths, your experiences, your views, conveying your vision, sharing your thoughts, and/or bringing attention to important circumstances. Words are powerful and they matter. Completing the task of writing and publishing your book is a major accomplishment that speaks volumes about ones commitment to share something of values to others.
7. What social media platforms are you on?
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube are my primary media platforms.
8. What is the one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started out?
It is imperative to be knowledgeable about your subject, particularly for a novice writer. Know your genre. If you’ve experienced it, learned or practiced it, and have the passion to structure it into words, readers will connect to it. Be concise and stay on topic. Don’t distract readers with quantity of words; it’s the quality of words that matter.
9. What do you feel is the biggest challenge authors are facing going into 2022 (and beyond)?
Competition among authors is fierce, particularly for newly released books. Your book needs to be noticed. An established and reliable self-publishing company has resources that make your book standout among the herd of others on the market.
10. Have you won any awards or contests that you would like to mention?
As a novice author with a newly released book, I’ve yet to win any awards or enter any contests. However, there’s already substantial interest in my book, which makes both situations foreseeable.