I have a consulting and coaching business, www.MagneticNorth.com, that provides the foundation for my other work. A Killer’s Grace is my fourth book, and I have two audio sets also in the marketplace. Many of the ideas about which I write find their way into workshops, speeches and online content.
Tell us about your book.
A Killer’s Grace is first and foremost a redemption story. Based on my actual correspondence with a serial killer who was put to death for his crimes, my protagonist, a journalist named Pitcairn, receives a letter from a fictional serial killer. It proposes a number of things that push Pitcairn to dive ever more deeply into the nature of evil, the possibilities of true innocence, and a battle with intractable cultural beliefs and norms. In the end, his battle sweeps into a national and then international dialogue that he can flee nor avoid.
Why did you want to write a book?
The serial killer with whom I corresponded proposed ideas that drew me into my own inner psycho-spiritual exploration, the result of which was a compelling need to tell the story. I hoped to spur readers to also look deeply into these propositions, and in the end, to experience the transformation that Pitcairn discovers.
What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?
Marketing, marketing, marketing! No matter how good the story, or the writing, there are so many books being published every year that an independent has to find promotional expertise, especially those who know how to get real results.
What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?
Do everything you can to edit and rework to really hit the highest possible mark. Nothing will undermine your story and its promotion faster than low quality content and editing.
What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?
The amount of editing work that would be required to really hit the desired quality. Just when you think you’ve got it right, there seems to always be more reworking required. That requires patience I did not initially have.
As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?
I had to diligently carve out times in my daily and weekly schedule and stay committed to them. It takes a lot of effort, and there is never enough time, to staying on task is essential.
Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?
In recent years, those who have created their own paths with stories that break new ground. The Hunger Games, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and others demonstrated the world craves new, innovative content. While the conventional publishing world is bound to genre and form, readers want our most creative content as long as it engages well.
What are your plans now your book is published?
I’m half way done with a sequel, and have completed a prequel to that. It’s rather amusing; it was only after a reviewer said they looked forward to the sequel that there was more story to tell.
What did you learn on your journey as an author?
There is great pleasure in crafting a story of which you can be satisfied. Then when good feedback comes, its all the more pleasing, as well as creating a compulsion to keep writing.
What’s next for you as an author?
I’m having a great time with blogging content at www.SeeingTrue.com. It’s really nice to know I can write very concise and targeted material, and get a great deal of satisfaction from turning it around quickly. As much as I love the craftwork of the novel, I need some easy wins to keep the creative satisfaction flowing.
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