I was looking for somewhere to bind my book so it would look nice. I found Createspace, and when I saw the Publish button, I thought, why not?
Imogen Rose – 6 May 2013
The Back Flap
There was just one little difference—my reflection was not separated from me by silver-coated glass. She could have been my twin, except I didn’t have one. No, she was me.
About the book
What is the book about?
The Portal Chronicles is a “what if” story. What if you could go back to that moment in time when you made that crucial decision that forged your path of life? What if you could go back and change it? My series chronicles the repercussions of a mother doing just that. The mother, Olivia, constructs a time-travel portal to escape an unhappy marriage and find her long lost love. The Portal Chronicles is about how her decision’s ripple effect turns her daughter Arizona’s life upside down. The first book, Portal, starts off with Arizona suddenly finding herself in a completely different life and the fifth and final book (the book tour book), Fusion, is about her realization and coming to terms with her mother’s decision.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing Fusion this January.
How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote the first draft in just over two weeks.
Where did you get the idea from?
Me? 😀 I let my characters take over when I start writing. It’s like watching a movie. I am just the clumsy typist who tries to describe what I am seeing.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
This book was actually very easy through and through, even down to the editing process. It could be because it’s the fifth book in the series.
What came easily?
All of it. The whole process from writing to publishing has been so much fun.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
😀 That’s an odd question from you, Professor Kunz. Can a character be entirely fictitious? Some part of oneself always seeps in. They are, after all, part of your soul.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I read a lot when I was younger. (TV sucked when I was growing up in Sweden.) I grew up reading Astid Lindgren, Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie, and PG Wodehouse. Later on, I discovered George Orwell, James Patterson, and Michael Crichton, to name a few. I love reading all kinds of books.
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone who loves a fun teen story.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I am a champion procrastinator and sometimes joke that I get most of my writing done during commercial breaks. Sadly, it’s not very far from the truth. Add Facebook to my TV watching, and it’s a wonder that I get anything written at all.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No. Outlining seems like work, and I try to avoid that. What I really enjoy about this process is letting my imagination take over completely. I don’t impose any limitations on it, though I do edit out any erotica that sneaks into my YA paragraphs.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wait until the end. Once I start writing, I don’t stop to reflect on anything in fear that I won’t be able to get back into the flow.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do. My editor, Sue Bernstein, is a wonder. She knows my characters as well as I do and has even taken over some! Sue is a lawyer and pretty much morphed into Octavia as she was editing one of my books. I love how invested she is in my work. All my copyediting and proofing needs are taken care of by Red Adept Editing and Lala Price. Crucial to my editing process is my beta team. I couldn’t ask for better team than Al Kunz, Allirea Brumley, and Vickie Boehnlein. They keep me grounded while making sure that my work is up to their exacting standards.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I don’t normally, though I am very inspired by music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, but when Portal was doing really well on Amazon, I was approached by a few. I am currently represented by Marc Gerald (The Agency Group).
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I was looking for somewhere to bind my book so it would look nice. I found Createspace, and when I saw the Publish button, I thought, why not?
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The Portal Chronicles covers are all made by me. The pictures of the moon were taken from my backyard in Jersey. The covers for my other series are made by either Phatpuppy or Najla Quambar.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
The market is fluid, so to an extent, whatever the strategy it needs to be flexible and adaptable. What worked two years ago does not work as well anymore. So it’s a constant challenge However, I always seek publicity through these book tours. They are fun, and I have gotten to know most of the bloggers over the years. They have become friends, and I like visiting with them. In addition to that, I market by any method I feel has potential at any given time.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors? a
Write a good book and have it professionally edited and presented. Get to know the market, make friends, and persevere.
About You
Where did you grow up?
All over the place, but mostly in Southern Sweden.
Where do you live now?
In the land of the Sopranos, Snookie, and the Housewives—New Jersey!
What are you working on now?
I am working on the next book in the Bonfire Chronicles –Uprising.
End of Interview:
For more Imogen visit her website, like her facebook page, or follow her on twitter.
Get your copy of Fusion from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.
And be sure to enter the giveaway below
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