IndieView with Cabrina Claire, author of Turn Me

 

If you have a story inside you, write it down. What you do with it after that might take exploring a lot of options, but it’s worth it. Everyone’s different, just like every story is different. You owe yourself the privilege of finding out how best to share your story with the world.

Cabrina Claire – 10 May 2015

The Back Flap

Visual artist Victoria Thursday is desperate for a muse to inspire her next project, until a chance encounter with the devastatingly handsome owner of a Pearl District ballet company turns her head. Tall, sculpted, and incredibly flexible, Seth Valenza embraces his physicality in a way Tory has never known. He possesses such skill and confidence in every move that Tory is pulled body and soul into his embrace.

Captured by his wild grace and sensual abandon, she longs to trust him. But if their complex relationship shatters, both her career and her heart will, too.

***Contains Strong Sexual Content***

About the book

What is the book about?

Turn Me introduces us to Tory and Seth. Tory’s an artist, a sculptor, and she gets her inspiration from the human body. Seth owns his own ballet company, and his physique is definitely inspirational for Tory. But she’s just earned her membership in an artists’ co-op in the Pearl District of Portland, and she’s feeling her way through unfamiliar territory. Seth has been a part of the city’s arts and culture scene for years, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee they’re always on the same page. And secrets lurk in the dark when an artist and her muse lover don’t mesh.

When did you start writing the book?

I got the idea for this entire series a year and a half ago, but I didn’t start writing it until spring of 2014, when I’d spent enough time researching and interviewing and exploring to feel comfortable with the world I wanted to create.

How long did it take you to write it?

Turn Me is a novella, so it didn’t take me very long to write. About three weeks for the rough draft, with a few more for polishing and my critique group.

Where did you get the idea from?

I’ve lived in and visited Portland for most of my life, so I wanted to use that city as my backdrop. As an artist of words, I’ve always enjoyed learning how other artists craft their art, so I explored artistic outlets until I hit on some that fit my story and lent themselves to being written about. The romance itself is based very loosely on some struggles I had while I was still looking for my One.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were parts that took a lot more research. The sculpting, glass, and ballet represent the artistic soul of the story, so I talked to artists, watched videos, read up on techniques and materials and tools and schools and styles. I’ve never really stopped, either, since this is an ongoing series. Anytime I see an opportunity to learn more about the artistic elements I’m using, I jump at it. I’m watching a ballet film right this moment, in fact, called Five Dances. Like Tory, I love to watch dancers move.

What came easily?

Portland. And Kittie. And Seth’s personality. Kittie is Tory’s BFF. She’s a camgirl and a romantic at heart. She chooses to see the positive side of everything, which for her takes a lot of strength. Seth is the guy with all the secrets, and I love that about him, so I’ve identified with his struggles to be with and yet protect Tory at all times.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

This series is going to be on the dark and psychological side of things, so it’s probably just as well I didn’t stick any of my friends in it. All my characters are made up. Oh, except for one. But I can’t talk about that until book six is out. Spoilers!

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?

C.D. Reiss’s way of telling a dramatic personal story that just happens to be packed with smoking hot sex really impresses me. Her Songs of Submission feels like a story that could happen to any girl. Monica feels like a real person with a life that includes more than just her romance, and I love how that makes her so accessible to me.

Do you have a target reader?

People who like wondering if the HEA will happen or not. And who don’t mind when things turn out far differently than they seem.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

This series has plenty of themes that I try to work in on multiple levels. One of those levels has to be the artistic elements, so that was a focus in my research. Each of the books in this series will be named after a ballet move that ties into its plot. Once I’d nailed those down, I could build my plots around the themes and elements so they tell a progressive, coherent story.

I write about a chapter a day, in the morning. That gets it out of the way. Actually writing is the hardest part for me, so I try to do it early, before I can come up with an excuse or a distraction.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I outline by chapter, so I know what each chapter’s going to add to the story. If I can’t find enough to put in, or if I don’t think the story’s moving forward, I merge it or cut it.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait. I do a few drafts of editing and changing stuff before I give it to my critique group.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to all kinds of things while I write. The one thing they all need to have, though, is a strong rhythm. For me, it’s not about the theme or the lyrics. It’s about the pace. If the music can keep me feeling that urgent need to press on, I won’t get distracted by email or the dog or the lovely sunny day that’s calling my name.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No. I knew where I wanted to submit.

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 went for a small publisher, because it’s a nice balance between waiting for agents and possible offers and maybe a pub date a year out, and insta-publishing as an indie but having to do all the work myself. A support team is nice.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?

Streetlight Graphics made it. They work with my publisher.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Isn’t any marketing plan winging it and hoping the book flies? I have a plan. And I hope it works.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

If you have a story inside you, write it down. What you do with it after that might take exploring a lot of options, but it’s worth it. Everyone’s different, just like every story is different. You owe yourself the privilege of finding out how best to share your story with the world.

About You

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the third novella in the series, titled Break Me.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Turn Me from Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Barnes & Noble.