Today’s podcast episode is a Book Chat episode, where we get to know one of the books that has been published by a fellow NAIWE member.

Our guest today is Karin Beery.

Karin Beery is a published author and editor with experience in traditional and self-publishing, freelance editing, and editing for publishers. She is an active member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, as well as a PEN Institute instructor. Her specialty is substantive fiction editing with an emphasis in romance and women’s fiction.

 

Here is a sneak peak of what we discussed.

Q: When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write this book?

I started this book several years ago after watching many seasons of Dancing with the Stars with my special needs aunt, who lived with us at the time. I’d finished writing a novel and was ready to start a new one. After seeing how much my aunt loved that show and living with her for several years, I wanted to include a dance competition in my book as well as a tribute to my aunt.

 

Q: Please describe one of your favorite characters from your book.

I love the women of Pathways, a fictional home for special needs women. Many special needs adults (like my aunt) are capable of so much more than people expect. I let my aunt and the women she used to live with inspire the women in this book.

 

Q: What did you learn while working on this book? And what were some challenges you faced during the writing or publication of this book?

I learned quite a bit about ballroom dancing and football, but many aspects of this book (from working with special needs people to having two sisters) mirror my own life, so I tapped into a lot of personal experiences. My biggest challenge is always me: making time to write (and letting it be a priority).

 

To learn more about Karin Beery and her new book Finally Forever, listen to the podcast episode.

Today’s podcast episode is a Book Chat episode, where we get to know one of the books that has been published by a fellow NAIWE member.

Our guest today is Marcia Rosen.

Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen) is a marketing and public relations advisor for authors and a senior team member creating out-of-the-box strategies for a marketing/advertising agency and client projects. She was owner and founder of a business/marketing and public relations agency and consulting firm in New York City; The Hamptons; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the company served as advisors to a wide range of national, regional, and local clientele. Marcia has presented book marketing and public relations programs at local and national events, including major book conferences, for nearly 20 years. In addition, she has worked with numerous authors developing and implementing plans to create an awareness of them as authors and gain recognition and sales for their books, including book launch campaigns and ongoing actions both through social media and traditional activities. Marcia is the author of ten books. She has published numerous articles and is a member of Sisters In Crime Los Angeles and Albuquerque, Central Coast Writers, Public Safety Writer’s Association, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.

 

Q: How long have you been a writer? And what piqued your interest about this industry?

I’ve been writing books for almost twenty years, first business, then memoir and last eight two mystery series. I wanted to be a writer since I was 14.

 

Q: Is this your primary profession, or do you have other careers?

It is now. Prior to this, I owned a full-service marketing and public relations agency offices in New York, California, and New Mexico.

 

Q: When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write this book?

The idea of the Senior Sleuths Mystery series was a combination of loving the Thin Man series and wanting to write mysteries and adventures with seniors being active, interesting, exciting, and adventurous with a touch of romance mixed in with murder.

 

Q: What prompted you to publish the book when you did?

Good timing for seniors and me as a senior.

 

Q: What did you learn while working on this book? And what were some challenges you faced during the writing or publication of this book?

I kept at it same as in business. I don’t listen to negative voices, only let people I trust read and edit it.

 

Q: What avenues have you used to market your book? And which ones were the most successful for you?

Lots! Signings at bookstores and conferences, social media actions, networking,  guests on blogs and not going programs on zoom, which are very helpful.

 

Q: Where has this book been mentioned, and has it won any awards?

It has been mentioned on Goodreads, Amazon, social media, mystery blogs, Mystery Scene Magazine, and it placed second with Public Safety Writer’s Association—a great organization. It won first place for writing, “My Memoir Workbook.”

 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our listeners?

Accept and act on how important it is to stay visible with your book and you as an author.