Promotional Interview with Ginger Simpson

You have been invited to share you experience with our readers.

Name: Ginger Simpson

Tell us about yourself – where you are from, how you got started writing, what you do when you are not writing (or anything you want our readers to know)

I’ve always loved reading historical romance and was inspired to try my hand at writing one of my own. In 2002 I sat down at my computer and started typing. I felt as if I was telling myself a story and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. That’s when I discovered that I write by the seat of my pants. My characters drag me wherever they want to go and I never know the outcome until I’ve written it.

What inspired you to write your first book?

As I said, I was inspired by my love of reading. I ran out of books that had ‘savage’ in the title and decided to write one of my own.

How many books have you written?

I currently have six books and five novellas published with two more contracted and soon to be released.

How do you decide on their topic?

I don’t really decide. Storylines come to me from no where in particular and I name my characters and let them run with the idea.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

Finding quiet time when I can sit without interruption and get in touch with my characters. I try to have coffee with them occasionally to ask the questions to which I need answers.

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

I’d love to make money writing, but since my royalty checks barely cover the cost of a McDonald’s happy meal, I do it for the love. It’s actually a stress release for me. I can let my characters act in ways that I don’t dare.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?

Many of the same that all authors are advised to utilize: personal website, participation in writing, publishing and review loops, handing out promotional materials such as personalized key chains, bookmarks, pens.

What are some unique methods?

For my first release I prepared a trifold containing an excerpt. The front displayed the cover, ISBN and ordering information, and I left these wherever I went. I also included them in things I mailed. I created a book bag with pictures of all my book covers and an invitation to "ask me about my books." I carried it when I went to car shows and public places. Anything that stirs interest is helpful. I also started a newsletter group that has now grown to over 500. Every month I share information, personal and professional with my fan base. One of my favorites was ordering business-card-sized CDs and downloading excerpts from several books and offering them as a reward for those who enticed others to join my newsletter.

Do you sell through a website?

I can only do that with one book since I exclusively hold the print rights to it. My other contracts stipulate that I can only sell through the publisher’s site or my own.

Do you plan on writing additional books?

Of course. Writing is my life and I’m not happy unless I have at least two works-in-progress. Now writing has become a challenge. Every new work is my hope for achieving a little more notoriety than I did with the previous one.

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh, Author of Book Promo 101 - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm.

Promotional Interview with Hazel Statham

The Street Smarts Marketing Blog is for speakers, trainers, authors, consultants and entrepreneurs who want to influence the lives of others with your knowledge through books, information products and presentations - and make lots of money doing it. Strong emphasis on gaining visibility, market reach and credibility through effective Internet marketing.

You have been invited to share you experience with our readers.

Name: Hazel Statham

Tell us about yourself – where you are from, how you got started writing, what you do when you are not writing (or anything you want our readers to know)

I live in the UK and have been enthralled by history for as long as I can remember. I felt a compulsion to write at fifteen and completed my first novel-length story at sixteen. The first was quickly followed by two more and I took my inspiration from the Brontes, Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. 'Jane Eyre' still remains my all-time-favourite and I think, subconsciously, there is a little bit of Edward Fairfax Rochester in all my heroes. Animals are my other ruling passion and until recently, I was the treasurer for an organisation that raised funds for animal charities. Over the years, we have owned everthing from hamsters to horses and we currently share our home with a lovely Labrador named Lucy. I have a beautiful grandson named Daniel who spends a lot of time with me whilst his parents are working and we have a great time.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I don't really know. I read all the usual classic romances and suddenly found myself writing my own. I loved to create my own characters and situations and it was something I had done in my thoughts for years - I just started committing it to paper. It started to escelate when a work collegue began reading my work and encouraged the other girls in the office to do likewise and soon I found myself with a small readership.

How many books have you written?

Including the first three, which are now long gone, I have a total of nine completed with one still a work in progress.

How do you decide on their topic?

It has to be historical and set in the Georgian or Regency eras I know and love. 'My Dearest Friend' was inspired by a dream, whereas 'The Portrait' came from a line in a song from the film 'Hawks'. The Peninsular War inspires me and several of my characters are in some way connected to it.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

I like to write when I am alone and there is complete silence.

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Definitely for the love of it. I write for myself and publication is just a huge bonus. I would write even if my work never saw the light of day.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?

Self-promotion doesn't come easily to me but I have approached review sites for reviews and have arranged banner and book cover advertising. I live in the UK but have sent flyers (via other authors) to confrences etc. I have also given talks to book groups.

What are some unique methods?

For me, the Virtual Book Tour is quite unique. Living this side of the Atlantic, I am not able to attend book signing events and this gives me the opportunity to reach a wider readership.

Do you sell through a website?

My publisher's website, www.wings-press.com Amazon and Fictionwise

Do you plan on writing additional books?

Writing is too much a part of me for me to stop now. It is a compulsion that will not be ignored and I am happier when I have a project under way

Nikki Leigh - Author
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm
"Coastal Suspense with a Touch of Romance"