FAQ's

 

For Readers:

 

Will you ever write another channeler novel?

I would love to, and I have one partially plotted out. However, I have to find the time to fit it in between contracted books. But, it will not be YA if I do.

 

Do you still write YA novels?

I do not. My channeler series is the only series I wrote that is appropriate for audiences under eighteen years of age. 

 

Are you writing another fantasy novel?

Always. I'm currently working a new steampunk novel that will hopefully go out on publisher submission this year.

 

Are you writing another historical novel? When is it set, and what's it about?

Not currently, but I do have several ideas perculating!

 

Is your website background from one of your books?

Yes. My backgrounds for my site are designs I created to inspire me. 

 

Where do you get inspiration for your novels?

Much of it comes from music (the Dropkick Murphy's in particular), but everything inspires me. Art, movies, TV shows, history, people, life in general. If you would like to see images that inspire me while I'm working on particular books you can check out my Pinterest page. 

 

You write about the Irish a lot. Why is that?

On both sides of my family, I'm of Irish descent (among other things, of course, but primarily Irish) and I have a passion for writing about my ancestors. I also have a passion for telling stories that haven't been told, bits of history that have been covered up or forgotten, and as the Irish have long been oppressed, they have many stories like that. 

 

 

 

For Writers:

 

I'm a writer too! Would you be willing to read my story/novel?

As much as I love supporting other writers, unfortunately I'm hard at work on another novel and don't have time to read and critique outside of my own critique circle. But there are great people and groups out there that can help. Check out the right hand sidebar on my bog for a listing of a few that I recommend.

 

How do I get an agent?

Keep writing and most importantly, keep improving. Attend workshops, writer's retreats, join a good critique group and be open to honest, positive feedback. It took me several books to become good enough to get traditionally published. The key is not to give up and to never stop growing as a writer and a person. 

 

I've heard you have had other agents. Is it true, and if so, why did you part ways with them?

It is true. My current agent is my third. My first agent, many years ago, retired from the industry. My second agent down-sized his client list when the publishing market hit the rough spot during the rise of the eBook. We parted on great terms though. Finding the right agent is like finding the right spouse. It isn't easy and the first one that wants to represent you isn't necessarily the right one for you. Search hard for someone that will go to bat for you and your books, and who works in a manner that compliments your own work and communication styles. 

 

Is traditional publishing really the way to go, or do you recommend indie publishing?

I recommend both. Indie is great to help build an audience, and to put out free works such as novellas or shorts, which is great even when you're traditionally published to help keep readers interest between traditionally published books (which can be far between depending on the publisher's list for the year).  Plus, you learn a lot in indie publishing that will help you survive traditional.