Interview With Published Writer, Carol Denbow

I am thrilled to publish this interview with 3-time published writer, Ms Carol Denbow. Her latest release, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story concentrates on all aspects of novel writing.

Carol, it's wonderful to have your interview. Can you briefly tell us how you came into the world of writing?

Carol Denbow: Purely by accidental discovery. After years in business for myself, and seeing first hand how difficult small business can be, I felt the need to convey the lessons I had learned (the hard way) to others desiring to be self-employed. To do this, I wrote my first book, Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss? As most seasoned writers are already aware, writing is addictive-the road was paved.

Your latest work, A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story addresses the process of publishing in depth?

Carol Denbow: Publishing is a complicated business, and yes, it is a business. The book explains in an easy to read and comprehend manner all publishing options available to new writers including how to start their own publishing company. Each publishing option is explained in dept so readers can decide which choice is best suited for their needs and desires.

I see you have published non-fiction mainly, what's your take on fiction? Who are your favorite fiction writers and why?

Carol Denbow: Non-fiction is written through research. I love to research-I find it to be challenging. Fiction writing requires imagination and originality. I haven't attempted to locate those traits in myself yet-but give me time.

I hate to give the layman response to "who's my favorite writer?" but judged on imagination, creativity, and the ability to entertain any age of reader, of course I love J. K. Rowling.

Do you feel fiction in any particular genre has higher rate of success? I see several new writers are attempting crime and suspense more than drama and literature.

Carol Denbow: Romance still appears to be the book of choice as far as book sales go-with inspirational fiction following at a close second. What I see recently is an explosion of true crime novels. Perhaps this follows the pattern of reality television and the popularity and interest of real life stories. As long as rubber-necking drivers on freeways are willing to risk the lives of others just to catch a glimpse of a minor tragedy, blood, death, and mystery will sell like hot cakes.

Is a literary agent an absolute necessity for publication? What are your views?

Carol Denbow: Absolutely not. But that's not to say an agent can't be extremely beneficial. Most agents have connections in the book industry and can open doors for an author which otherwise may be shut tight and locked. Unfortunately, if you are a no-name author, most reputable agents won't even talk to you; that is unless you have bocoup bucks to spring for agent fees, books promotion, and marketing costs. Every author is capable of producing and promoting their work on their own, but if you connections, use them. This is a tough business and any advantage will help.

While hunting for publishers, which do you think is good-jumping at the first publisher that accepts your book or hunting further for better deals?

Carol Denbow: On an average, traditional publishers receive about 200 queries a week, yet only publish a handful of books per year. Lets be realistic-those aren't good odds. However, when my second book, Stress Relief for the Working Stiff was accepted by a traditional publishing house-I was thrilled. Yet, once things got rolling on the project, so much of my work and ideas were cast aside for the publisher's choices on the book that I became very disappointed. After all is said and done, I so dislike the cover they chose that I am on the verge of being embarrassed by it. Now maybe another publisher might have accepted it and things may have turned out better, but I don't know that for sure-should I have gambled?

Is there any way a writer can know if he/she can actually write a good story, before jumping into this profession?

Carol Denbow: Most defiantly something writers rarely do, but should be number one on their list after the first chapter is written is to have their work critiqued; not just by one person, but several. We often become too close or familiar to our work to be a good judge of it. Just because we think we have a great story idea doesn't mean we are naturally good with words. Make sure those you choose to critic your work will give you an honest opinion-and don't be disappointed or quit your dream. For most writers, their skills develop over time through practice.

Writing fiction is a continuing process; however, there are writers who have written only one story. An example is Arundhati Roy. What do you think?

Carol Denbow: All I can comment regarding Arundhati Roy is that she represents true "freedom of speech!" As many authors do, she found a path through her writing to reach millions of people around the world. Her choice was to use her "new found fame" to gain the podium and express her world views, i.e., "now that I have your attention, let me tell you how I really feel." In general, writers begin with non-fiction then attempt fiction-she did the opposite.

Which do you suggest is the best time of day for writing fiction?

Carol Denbow: Morning, afternoon, middle of the night!-whenever your creativity is aroused. Personally, I wake up with ideas (most likely dreamt all night long). Use the feeling whenever it shows up. I always suggest writers carry paper and pen with them at all times. If ideas pop up while you're shopping in Wal-Mart, write them down. I live by the pen, and by that I mean I can't remember a darn thing if I don't write it down!

Carol Denbow books are available through Amazon.com, my Website at http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com or wherever fine books are sold.

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