Tell readers a little about your main character or
characters?
Ciarán is a fifth century pagan priest, but when he turns to Christianity and takes a wife, he breaks a sacred precept of his sect and betrays the goddess. This gets him entombed alive for all eternity . . . or so they think.
He’s a handsome Celt of about 29 years of age with black hair and dazzling cerulean blue eyes that darken to almost black at the edge of his pupils. He’s curious and not afraid of pushing the envelope to get to the truth, but this makes him seem rebellious and careless to some. He has a big heart and would die for those he loves, but he can also be impulsive and reckless at times.
Caitlin O’Connell is a plucky auburn-haired archaeologist with emerald green eyes that darken when she’s angry or suspicious. She’s had to fight her way to the top in a man’s world and has no use for those who don’t see the value in history. She can appear aloof and cold at times, but those that know her soon find out she is a strong, passionate woman who will defend her friends and her principles at all cost.
Where do you like to write? Do you have an office or
writing nook?
On my couch, with my laptop usually, but I’ve been known to write anywhere, even at my desk from time to time.
What is one of your best marketing tips for other
authors?
Word of mouth is a tremendous way to get your book out there, and a great first step in marketing. Spread the word that your book is out. Tell friends and familyand ask them to tell their friends. You’ll need to supplement it with other things like a website and blog tours, but it’s an excellent place to start.
What websites or tools have you found that offer the best
results?
I found some blog tour sites that are great for garnering reviews and getting my books out there. This is the first time I’ve used Bewitching Book Tours as its just come to my attention, but I’ve had great results with Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Silver Dagger Book Tours, Love Books Group, The Coffee Pot Book Club and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I use them on a rotating basis and always like to have at least one tour running a month. I also have a few promotional sites that will give a quick shot-in-the-arm results for sales. E-Reader Café, Book Cave, Red Roses Romance, and Hidden Gems are a few that seem to work the best for me, but you’ll have to find what clicks for you. I’ve found what works for one author doesn’t always work for another.
I also find new readers through my own website, which I try to keep up-to-date with new information about the books and announcements about sales and give-aways. I post short articles dealing with different aspects of my books, like Celtic mythology and tree lore, and try to add new ones on a regular basis. I also have a mailing list on the website so I can keep readers apprised of new releases, sales and giveaways, and try to send out an email once or twice a month. I also use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to supplement my website and drive interest in that direction. The key is getting your name out there.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Keep at it and don’t give up. Do it, first and foremost, for the love of the craft and the story. If you’re not in love with your characters and their tales, your readers probably won’t be either.
Excerpt:
Ciarán stumbled along beneath the twisted canopy of blackthorn shrubs, their prickly branches entwining with those of the hawthorn to form a mystical passageway. Though only a dim grey light pierced its knotwork, intermittent flashes of lightning broke through the tangled vines to sketch eerie patterns across the moss-covered path. His robe caught on the spiny bramble, and he stopped for a moment to free his sleeve, but a sharp shove from behind thrust him forward once more, the sudden movement ripping a jagged hole in his fine linen robe.
His temper flared, and he turned to object, though it did no good. Another quick jab to his shoulder spun him back around and thrust him out into the lakeside clearing. Slender stone columns stood in a semi-circle around its perimeter, each one facing the sacrificial altar. He rested his hand against the one to his side, steadying himself as the reality of the situation washed over him in a wave of nausea. There would be no escape.
As if in agreement, a bolt of lightning ripped across the horizon, followed by a crash of thunder so loud it caused the breath to catch in his throat. The goddess was angry.
Out of nowhere, thick grey clouds had formed to conceal the morning sun and cast ominous shadows over the secluded enclosure. The urge to fall prostrate before his goddess mother gripped his innards, tearing at his stomach with a fiery knife, but he could not find it within his heart to do so. A black-robed cleric propelled him further into the temple confines, forcing him to his knees beside another of the slender gray columns. The decision to kneel had been made for him, though it was an empty gesture on his part.
Trying to retain his composure, he gazed around the quiet glade. Towering thorn bushes encircled the clearing, concealing the sanctuary from the outside world and providing a perfect setting for worshipping the goddess of their tuath. The bile rose in his throat, for he knew the requirements for admission all too well. Entry to its sacred confines was only granted to those within the priesthood and those about to die.
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