Book Tour with Bonnie: Nether Triology

Today, I have a special interview from Self Published author Bonnie Rae. She talks about her first two books and gives us her favorite writing tips.

Enjoy!!

1. What made you decide to self-publish?

With the Nether Trilogy I really wanted to learn the industry and be able to have my own say over the books. Also, so many publishers are moving towards digital publishing that it just made perfect sense to me. We are in a digital age and if I can share my stories with the world for a cheap price, and they enjoy them - I have succeeded.

2. Tell us about the road to self publishing!

It wasn't easy. Sure, anybody can slap a novel up on digital book sites now a days, but to do it right and be known as a credited author, that is a whole different ball game. I think the major thing is to approach the entire situation and process as professionally as possible. I hired a professional editor, professional cover artist, and had (and still do) all of my own self promoting. There is a lot of research involved in all of that. The road wasn't always easy, but in the end the product that turned into my novel was great.

3. If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently? Would you publish traditionally?

I would research my editing service personnel a lot better, and also read all of the fine print. I thought I was getting one thing and it turned out, I got something completely different. The first editor wasn't bad, but because I assumed I'd read everything, I didn't get what I initially wanted and the book suffered for that. Live and learn, but try not to make the mistake I did. Read the fine print. Know what you are getting for the price you are paying.

As far as traditionally publishing, I don't know. I am not completely turned off  by it. I mean it is every writer's dream to see their book published and on bookstore shelves. So, to say I would never attempt it would be a lie. I think it would depend on the story. With the Nether Trilogy, I knew right away I wanted to self-publish it. I wanted to learn the industry and get my name out there. If a story came a long and I was approached for representation I might consider it.

4. Can you tell us about your first book?

Nether Bound introduces us to Ava. She's living the teenage dream. Captain of the Cheerleader Squad, desired by every boy in her school, and basically on top of the social food chain. But underneath she is so broken and so vulnerable. Her family life is a mess. It paints the perfect picture of: Things aren't always as perfect as they seem. And after a tragic accident leaves her questioning everything she's ever known in life, her world literally spirals out of control. She is powerless to stop the forces that constantly tear her down. And when she does finally find the power to take a stand for herself and her family, it might be to late.

5. Okay, now, what about book two? Is it a stand alone, or should readers buy book 1 first?

It can be a stand alone, but I would highly recommend reading book one if you want the full story of who these characters were and why they are the way they are now.

6. Last, what is your favorite part of Nether Soul? You favorite character? Your favorite scene?

My favorite part of Nether Soul is the ending. I know that sounds funny, but I love how I ended it and really set it up for the third and final book. My favorite character is, and will always be, Ava. My favorite scene is during the masked ball Ava attends in the Nether Realm. She receives a very intriguing gift and I loved writing that scene.

Please write a little bit about you absolute best writing advice as it pertains to two things: 1. Writing a series and 2. Developing great characters.

When writing a series, if you know it is a series from the beginning of the idea I suggest story boarding out all three books. The story boards don't have to be in great detail at the start, but knowing the major events that take place in each book early on can help drastically. Of course, stories can change and that is okay, but at least you have some type of path to get you started.

Developing great characters. This might sound funny, but spending as much time with them as possible. In the beginning I do character sheets. It helps me sort of introduce them to me and it is a great reference to be able to look back on throughout the course of one book or several. My character sheets for series usually grow with the character in each new book. And by the end of any book I am so close to my characters, I'd almost swear they were real people. I just simply spend time with them. I listen when they talk (yes, I have voices in my head every day all day) and sometimes I even have conversations with them. Anyone who isn't my husband, family member, close friend, or other writer would think I needed to be locked up in the loony house. Take the time to get to know  your characters. You are, after all, going to be spending a lot of time with them. The better you get to know them, the easier they tend to develop throughout the story.

Thank you so much for having me today!

Bonnie Rae