I received the most glowing turn down from an agent. She’d read the entire manuscript and went on and on about my characters and the story but told me she just wouldn’t know how to position or market the book. At that point, I just felt like I had to try something outside of traditional publishing.
Khristin Wierman – 9 September 2022
The Back Flap
In a small Texas town, three women—Gillian, a former prom queen and furious juggler of her three children’s manic schedules; Lianna, a foul-mouthed East Coast banking super star; and Aimee, a woman capable of far more than her current life will allow—find their lives converging.
About the book
What is the book about?
Unwinding from the knots of your past. And Texas.
When did you start writing the book?
I wrote it in 2018.
How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote the first draft in about five months.
Where did you get the idea from?
A nap.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
It took me a minute to figure out how to get Gillian into the bathroom.
What came easily?
I feel like easy is a tricky word. It was all a joy.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My late grandfather inspired the character of Big Floyd. Other than him, my characters are entirely fictitious, although inspired by experiences I’ve had.
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 constantly. There are so many authors who have inspired me, entertained me, and just generally added to my mental happiness. Some I love are: Augusten Burrows, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Janelle Brown, Gail Honeyman, Liane Moriarty, Matt Haig
Do you have a target reader?
Fans of Women’s Fiction.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Nothing rigid. Sometimes I’ll get into a certain rhythm for a while, but it changes. I think there are as many ways to write as there are authors out there writing.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t. But the process is different for everyone.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I’m with a small press, but I also hired editors before I submitted.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Only rarely.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did. I had a fair amount of requests for pages in response to my queries. And a lot of complimentary turn downs.
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 received the most glowing turn down from an agent. She’d read the entire manuscript and went on and on about my characters and the story but told me she just wouldn’t know how to position or market the book. At that point, I just felt like I had to try something outside of traditional publishing.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
SparkPress is my publisher. Cover design is part of what they do.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’ve partnered with publicists at BookSparks.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I think that what is wonderful for one author isn’t always for another. Each person has to do their own research and figure out what will feel good for them.
About You
Where did you grow up?
In a small town in East Texas
Where do you live now?
San Francisco, California
What are you working on now?
My second novel, This Time Could Be Different, is on the SparkPress roster for Fall 2023. Here’s what it’s about: A compulsive overachiever, Madeline lives by the credo that easy is synonymous with mediocre—which is why, at forty-nine, she’s a Senior Vice President at a prominent bank, spends more on face cream than she used to pay for a pair of shoes, and panics anytime she’s a foot away from her phone. Madeline works alongside her best friend Emma—a master juggler of her own career, marriage, and motherhood to a fourteen-year-old daughter, who speaks only in baffling acronyms. The path ahead for both women is brimming with opportunity. There’s only one problem. Madeline is miserable. Reluctantly agreeing to yoga, meditation, and her new-agey therapist’s other whacky suggestions, Madeline seeks purpose in her life while trying to unravel the source of habits she wants to change. Feeling as if she’s risking everything, she just might unlock a world more fulfilling than she ever could have imagined.
End of Interview:
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