Indie Fall Fest: Mary Waibel Interview, Guest Post, & Dream Cast

I am so excited to have sweetheart Mary Waibel on my blog today with a fun interview, guest post, and dream cast for Quest of the Hart. Stay tuned for all the awesomeness! 

Don't forget to drop by the kick-off post and enter our HUGE giveaway!

Over on Pretty Little Pages, Zane Sachs is being featured today! So don't forget to stop by! 

 Elena Ringo http://www.elena-ringo.com

Cinderella has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. Who wouldn't want to go from poor, overworked waif sitting in the ashes to beautiful princess with the wave of a wand? So, when I saw a call for a short story containing a compass-like device, this fairy tale screamed at me to use it. Sadly, while my story was picked up, there wasn’t much other interest in the anthology, so the rights reverted back to me, and I took the plunge into becoming an Indie Author.

By this time, I had already released three novels with MuseItUp Publishing, and had the first book in a new series accepted by BookFish books. So, why would I decide to publish this novella on my own?

I’m a control-freak at heart, so self-publishing would give me control of everything. And, I like to learn new things.

Once my short story had been lengthened to a novella, and made the rounds with my CP’s and Beta readers, I contacted Judy Roth, my very first editor, to edit my novella. I know the value of having that critical eye look over your work, that and I have a super love of commas. Judy read and commented, and I polished and tweaked (and learned my newest writing vice!) With her help, life was breathed into my story, and the characters began to shine like I knew they would.

Next up was cover art. While I enjoy dabbling in GIMP, and have since played at making my own cover, I wasn’t feeling ready to do it at this stage, so I contacted Charlotte Volnek. I'd worked with her two times before and loved the way she captured my books. She sent me a sample. We tweaked it a few times, and then, BOOM! There is was. Something to look at and squee about and renew my sense of excitement about the story.

Cover by CK Volnek

And then came formatting. Not being one to do things the easy way, I read, and re-read Susan Kaye Quinn's chapter on formatting the hard way (from Indie Author Survival Guide- I totally recommend this book to anyone considering self-publishing), and looked at several websites about HTML coding.  I also looked at the code of some of the e-books on my reader trying to figure out just how I wanted mine to be laid out. Slowly my book took shape the way I wanted it to, and was soon ready to release to the world.

Every step on my journey has taught me something new, and this foray into the Indie Author world is no exception. Reach for your dreams, work to achieve them, and you will find them in your grasp.

1.       If you could have coffee with any character from your novel(s), who would it be and why?

Hmm. This is a tough one. I think Arabella, the villainess from QUEST OF THE HART, so I can get her to nail down parts of her upcoming story that she's being difficult about.

2.       At what age did you decide you wanted to pursue a writing career?

I dabble with writing in my early 20's but didn't really get serious about it until my early to mid- 30's.

3.       Do you remember the first book you ever wrote? And if so, what was it about?

Ha. This made me laugh. While I was teaching, I attempted to write a romance called SCHOOL OF LOVE, where two teachers fell in love while working together at school. Needless to say, I'm the only one who ever laid eyes on that mess.

4.       Are you an outliner or a pantser?

I am a pantser who is trying to add a bit more outlining (or at least synopsizing) to my writing habits.

5.       How long did it take you to write Quest of the Hart?

Going back to the original version, through all the edits, and to the final project took about 6 years (IIRC)

6.       What is your favorite social media site and why?

I use both Twitter and Facebook, and like each for different reasons. I like Twitter, because it feels like I'm having a conversation with people, and I like Facebook because I can catch up with my friends and family, while checking out some really cool photos that they're all sharing.

7.       I see that you write Sci-Fi & Fantasy, is that also your favorite genre to read?

Fantasy, yes. I'm not too big on the Sci-Fi. However, most of what I read is heavy on the romance.

8.       Are all your books loosely based off of fairytales?

No. CHARMED MEMORIES is loosely based on THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, and DIFFERENT KIND OF KNIGHT and FAERY MARKED (releasing 12/16/14) aren't based on any tales.

9.       What would you say has been your biggest success since you began writing?

Releasing QUEST OF THE HART, my first book, with MuseItUp Publishing, releasing THE MYSTERY PRINCE on my own, and the upcoming release of FAERY MARKED with BookFish Books. Each of these represent a different milestone for me- 1st book, 1st indie book, and 1st book with a different writing style for me.

10.   What gives you inspiration?

I find a lot of inspiration in music. I'm drawn to songs that tell stories, and often imagine a mini-movie as I listen. Some of these eventually make their way into scenes in my books.

               If I was to choose a cast for Quest of the Hart, these would be my top choices.

1)      Kaylee is small and blonde, which makes Britt Robertson a perfect fit for her.   

2)      Chace Crawford’s blue eyes are what drew me to him for Devlin. Aren’t they spectacular?  

3)      With her girl-next-door looks, Shelley Hennig would be perfect as Sabrina.

4)      The first time I saw Phoebe Tonkin was in The Secret Circle, and it was like watching Arabella on screen. She just needs violet eyes and a bit darker hair.

5)      And last, but not least, can’t you just picture Jake Sandvig, riding along, hair blowing in the breeze, as he plays Thaddeus?

 

YA author Mary Waibel’s love for fairytales and happy-ever fill the pages of her works. Whether penning stories in a medieval setting or a modern day school, magic and romance weave their way inside every tale. Strong female characters use both brain and brawn to save the day and win the heart of their men. Mary enjoys connecting with her readers through her website. 

Connect with Mary:

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter