BookBuzzr author Sharon Bayliss’ book – Destruction: The December People, Book One recently hit the #1 spot on the Amazon. We reached out to Sharon to learn more about her story.
The screenshot below was taken on June 20, 2014.
Hi Sharon, thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
1. How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?
I have been writing fiction since I was fifteen. I clearly remember when my English teacher pulled me aside and told me I was talented. That gave me the motivation to keep writing and getting better. It has always been my dream to be an author.
2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series? Tell us a little bit about your book series.
Destruction is book 1 in The December People Series. The December People Series revolves around the Vandergraff family, a family of dark wizards living in Houston, Texas. There will be four books in the series, in honor of the four seasons. The series is called “December People” because wizards are classified by seasons, with winter being the darkest. “Destruction” refers to the destructive quality of dark magic.
3. Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Every time I’m asked that question, I chuckle a bit. My life is chaotic. I have a full time job and also have two small children. I don’t have dedicated time to write and just squeeze in it whenever I can.
4. Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?
I wrote a blog post on this topic called, Why I Read My Book’s Reviews. So, yes, I do read them! I often thank people for their reviews, but I never argue or make comments other than “thank you.” As for dealing with bad, I recommend looking at the big picture. It’s amazing how much one scathing review can hurt, even if you have 50 others that are glowing. Do you best to look at the overall star rating and remind yourself that ALL successful authors get bad reviews!
5. Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
99 cent sales always work for me, especially if well-promoted. On the day I reached the #1 spot above, my publisher had put Destruction on Book Bub. It was certainly the one single marketing tool that had the most dramatic effect. If you can make it in, and can afford it, I highly recommend it.
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Vikram Narayan is the founder of BookBuzzr Book Marketing Technologies. Vikram is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to starting BookBuzzr, Vikram founded another software company that has been successfully serving clients from all over the world since 2001. When he is not dreaming up ways to help authors accelerate their earnings and book sales, Vikram spends his time playing the guitar, practicing Aikido and spending time with his family.
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Thanks for the tips!
Here are a few suggestions that will work even if you're using a point and shoot camera, since most people don't have or aren't quite sure how to use a more elaborate camera.
• Get the help of a friend who is into photography, even if he or she is not a professional. Take a look at some of their people photos in advance to see if you like them.
• Shoot your picture outside on a cloudy or slightly overcast day. This will help you avoid harsh shadows.
• For an outdoor shoot, bring a piece of white tagboard or foam board which can be angled toward your face to help reduce the contrast of shadows.
• During inclement weather, try shooting by a well-lit window without using a flash.
• Don't stand facing the camera directly. Turn to one side or the other at about 45 degrees and then turn your head to look toward the camera.
• Take a few shots in which you aren't looking directly the camera.
• Don't be timid about experimenting with sharing the limelight with a favorite pet.
• For more formal shots, if you're a business writer, think about what is going to be in your background. City buildings? A library? An office? Make the background work with you to communicate more about you.
Hope these help. : )