Today begins an exciting virtual journey with an organization I’m a member of called RWISA, a division of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. There are going to be 19 blogs over the course of six days, which seems like a lot. Should be a chance to highlight some quality authors.
For my day of the tour, I’m handing my blog over to Harmony Kent. She’s a really talented author who’s written a bunch of books, and she’s got some interesting perspective on how she’s gotten this far. Below, you’ll see a Q&A from her, along with a short blog post with her thoughts on self-published authors and keeping our standards high. I can certainly relate to that. Read on to learn more about Harmony Kent …
- How long have you been writing?
Four years - How many books have you authored? Please give us up to 3 titles?
Seven … The Glade/Finding Katie/Interludes - Do you have a writing schedule?
Usually at the end of my working day, at least half an hour - You’re a member of RAVE WRITERS – INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS (RWISA). Why do you think you were accepted into this exclusive group?
Because I value high standards in writing, and also place a focus on supporting my fellow authors. - Modesty aside, what separates your writing from the millions of other writers in the world?
My writing has an impact on my readers. It engages and moves them, and often leaves them a little altered than before they turned that final page. When readers delve into my books, they know that they will not only receive quality but also entertainment. I have a strong and developed author voice, which is what each writer needs to offer that unique perspective and read. Never one to settle for mediocrity or following the herd, I am always open to new ideas and don’t shy away from difficult topics. - If you could spend a day picking the brain of one author, who would that be? Why?
OMG … I have to choose just ONE?!?!? lols. There are so many! Okay, it would have to be Lauren Oliver. Not one of her books has yet disappointed and all have that wow factor. - Are you a die-hard INDIE writer who loves having complete control of your work, or, if you were offered a publishing contract today, would you sign on the dotted line?
Die-hard INDIE … it would have to be a GOOD contract, lols! - As an author, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still writing, learning, and improving. - What is the ONE tool that has been the most beneficial tool in the marketing of your books?
RRBC, of course!! ☺ - Name one writer that you know of, member or non-member of RRBC, who you feel should be added to the RWISA Roster of elite members? Why?
Staci Troilo. This is one writer who has definitely found her own voice. Her Cathedral Lake books are well written and entertaining. - What is the one piece of advice that you could share that would be most valuable for those aspiring to not only be writers, but those aspiring to be great writers?
Make sure you get your book edited and formatted. - Do you believe that writers who churn out several books a year are really putting out quality work?
That depends on the writer. If they write full time and take care with the quality of what they put out, I have no problem. It’s when folks rush out stuff that I get annoyed. Poor indie books tarnish all indies, not just that one author. - If you had promised your fans a book by a certain date only to find that your book wasn’t the best it could be, would you go ahead and publish your book just to meet that self-imposed deadline and deliver as promised, or, would you disappoint your fans and shelve the book until it was absolutely ready? No matter your reason, please explain why?
I would risk disappointing my fans by a delayed deadline rather than disappoint them with a poorly written book. However, when I make promises, I do my utmost to keep them. - In your opinion, what makes a book “a great book?”
It is so well written, including plot, pacing, and characterization, that it leaves you glued to the page and you don’t want the book to end. It has that wow factor and magical spark that sets it apart from the run-of-the-mill stuff. And, it goes without saying, it is well edited and not filled with errata that would spoil the read. - If you received a review of your book which stated that there were editing & proofing “issues,” what’s the first thing you would do? And the second?
The first thing I would do is to fix the issues (whether I did it or got someone else to help me with it). The second is that I would make sure I learned better for next time. I wouldn’t un-publish because then current customers wouldn’t get the necessary updates, but instead, I would ensure I got the fixes done ASAP.
INDIE IMAGE
By Harmony Kent
Few things upset me more than when I read statements like: ‘I’ve ranted a lot about the sorry state of ebooks from indie authors.’
Being so passionate about indie and writing, I have to ask, what can we do about such a negative indie image? When we publish our bad writing, we don’t just give ourselves a bad name but the whole of our indie family. Complaints and disparagement affect everyone.
Happily, we authors are not powerless. We affect change in the reviews we leave, and the way we word them, and in the comments we make on our blogs or other people’s—which becomes part of our marketing, whether intended or not. Also, and most importantly, we can take the utmost care about the kind of work we put out there. As with criminal law, ignorance is no excuse.
Also, if we read a badly written book, then we must make sure not to leave a good review for it: this reflects badly on both the reviewer and the indie market as a whole. Above all, we have to remain honest. In the same way, when we read a well-written book, it’s important to make sure we leave a positive review.
As well as the editing, formatting is crucial to the overall impression of a finished work. A badly formatted book speaks volumes and says all the wrong things.
With a million or more indie writers out there, we have power in numbers. Let’s make sure we say the right things. One person can and does make a difference. It only takes one. For good or ill.
For more info on Harmony, including her books and social/website links, see below:
TWITTER HANDLE … @harmony_kent
FACEBOOK URL … https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyKentOnline/
WEBSITE … http://harmonykent.co.uk
MY BOOKS:
The Glade
Finding Katie
Interludes
Thank you for supporting our RWISA (RAVE WRITERS-INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS) Members. Please follow and support the entire tour by visiting 4WillsPub.
What a great interview with one of my favorite writers! FINDING KATIE was an extraordinary read, and I urge all to read it. Thank you for hosting, Jeff. I love the captivating image – definitely a place for dreams to be created.
Thanks so much, Gwen! Can’t tell you how grateful I am to all of you for your support.
And Jeff is a great host 🙂
Wonderful to see Harmony featured here today! I enjoyed the interview., and I heartily second her recommendation of Staci Troilo. Her Cathedral Lake series is extraordinary!
Harmony, I enjoyed The Glad immensely and love how effective you are with voice.
I also support your look at the indie image. Editing and formatting are critical to the presentation of a book. We only get one chance to make that impression with each release.
Wishing you a great day in the spotlight. Happy Valentine’s Day, and thanks to Jeff for hosting.
P.S….Harmony, I tried to comment on the RWISA post today on your blog but kept getting error messages. Could be my browser but I tried Chrome and Firefox. Great interview with Lynn Hobbs over there!
Thanks so much, Mae! I had problems yesterday on Yvi’s blog too but all resolved today. Sorry you couldn’t comment. I don’t have any blocks or filters engaged at mo 🙁 . Am really enjoying this 4Wills/RWISA tour! 🙂
I’ve read Interludes and LOVED it. I have several of Harmony’s books on my TBR list. One of the things I like (and respect) about Harmony is her brutal honesty in her reviews. She read my first novel and said that it needed one more editing. I was taken aback because I had had eight people, two of whom are great editors, comb through my novel. Still, I knew that if Harmony said it needed one more editing, then it NEEDED it. So, I reread it, and sure enough, there were a few typos and a few areas where a little reworking made the difference. It is that kind of scrutiny and honesty that is honored and respected by fellow authors. I’m happy to see her being highlighted here. 🙂
Thanks so much, Yvi! You are another writer that I look up to, and for all of us, continual learning and improvement is key to staying great 🙂
Hi Harmony,
Totally agree with your comments about the editing and formatting. We have a responsibility to our readers to only publish quality works.
Jeff – thanks for hosting.
Thanks for stopping by and for your support, Wendy! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Harmony! My, you’ve been a busy writer; that’s quite a few books in 4 years. Kudos for the great work!!! Take care and have yourself a terrific Tuesday! 🙂 ~Stephanie
Thanks so much, Stephanie. I’ve slowed down a tad now, lols! 🙂
Great interview, Harmony. I LOVED what you said about Indie Image! It is so true. You are an inspiration!
Awww, thanks so much, Jan! As are all of you 🙂
Harmony, I greatly enjoyed reading your interview and your post. I can always count on learning a thing or two from you. Jeff thank you for hosting Harmony today.. it was a pleasure to visit your wonderful blog.
Thanks so much, Rhani! I’m so glad that you liked my interview and post 🙂
Fantastic interview, Harmony! You know I’m a huge fan of your work and dedication to the craft. Your support for fellow authors is inspiring and never goes unnoticed! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks, Jeff, for the warm welcome!
Aww, Natalie! Thanks, hon 🙂 I appreciate deeply your support and kind words. 🙂
Harmony never disappoints. 🙂
Thanks, Ann Margaret! Love all you guys, too 🙂
Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments and support.
And huge gratitude to Jeff for being such a wonderful host!
Thanks too to 4Wills Publishing and RWISA for making this tour so awesome 🙂
So much powerful advice. ..and a stunning visual to start it off. Thank you for the reminder Harmony…its OK not to follow the herd! Happy day after V day. Here’s hoping we all continue to go with the flow of love as we move out of mediocrity & towards our own excellence. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hi, harmony, I follow your writings! I haven’t read them all, but I am close. 😀 I hope you had a great day.
Lovely interview. I’ve yet to get to dive into one of your books, Harmz, but they are definitely on my TBR list. (Which is entirely too long, by the way! lol) Jeff, thanks so much for sharing your blog with us today and shining a light on this fab author.
Enjoyed this interview and your book “Finding Katie , Harmony. Loved your piece on “Indie Image.”
Jeff, I appreciate you hosting this blog stop.
Great interview, Harmony! I agree about the Indie image also! If all of us continue to learn and create to the best of our ability, the image will improve one writer at a time! Can’t wait to check out your books! Thanks, Jeff for hosting Harmony; and Harmony…thank you for hosting me!
I enjoyed getting to know Harmony better today. Your points about indie authors was on point and something I have been striving to do!
Congratulations Harmony. You are part of this illustrious group of talented writers. I know you are proud.