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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Welcome Debut Author Barbara Bettis (The Wild Rose Press)

Welcome Barbara, it’s good to have you here today. You are soon to be published with The Wild Rose Press with your debut book, the medieval SILVERHAWK. (Barb has been on a deadline for her galleys.) Would you give us a blurb of your latest release?

Hi Maria. I’m so glad to be here. I’d love to share a bit about Giles and Emelin’s story. I don’t have a release date for it just yet, but I’m hoping that will be announced before long.

Blurb:

Sir Giles of Cambrai has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother 28 years ago. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge and kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.

Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for the home and family she’s always longed for. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution is to escape

Tracking down the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate. But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

I’d love to hear a little bit about your journey to publication.

SILVERHAWK is the second manuscript I completed. Although I’ve finished a third and am in the midst of a fourth (this one a Regency), I loved Giles and Emelin’s story so much, I’ve concentrated on getting it out. I hope readers will like it as much as I do.

How long have you been submitting your work to editors and/or agents?

I submitted my very first manuscript to an editor in 2008. It was my very first manuscript, which really should have gone through many more revisions before it hit the mail. (I hoped I’ve learned since then ). He rejected it, of course, but that allowed me to quality for PRO status in Romance Writers of America.

Since then I’ve submitted to a variety of agents and a few editors who have requested from pitches at conferences. I don’t send out a lot of queries because up to this point I’ve written medieval, and not all agents and/or editors are in the market for it. And I do believe in not subbing just to be subbing.

How many years have you been writing?

I can’t remember when I didn’t write. But after college, life took a turn with marriage and children. Then for several years I worked in journalism before going into teaching. I seriously started my first fiction work in early 2007.

Do you have any advice for authors as yet unpublished?

Absolutely. Learn your craft. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, take classes. Read good craft books. Never stop trying to learn and get better. And don’t sit around waiting for your muse or inspiration or any other excuse we use to procrastinate. Write.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

It was just that: Write. No matter how you feel, even if you think every word is drivel. You can always edit what’s down. You can’t edit a blank page. (I think Nora Roberts puts it more colorfully. )

What are you working on now?

I’m editing (again) the sequel to SILVERHAWK which is THE HEART OF THE PHOENIX— Stephen and Evie’s story. I’ll be sending it to my editor next month. I may then re-edit my first manuscript, another medieval, which tells the story of Evie’s sister, Alyss. In between, I’ll work on my current WIP, which is a Regency.

Where can we find you on the web?

I’m at www.barbarabettis.com, www.barbarabettis.blogspot.com, @barbarabettis-Twitter

I appreciate follows. Thank you so much for having me today, Maria. I’ve enjoyed your hospitality.

41 comments:

  1. Thanks, Sonya. I appreciate your stopping by.

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  2. Thanks for having me here Maria. You've been such an understanding hostess. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about Giles and Emelin.

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  3. Sounds like a book I'd love to read.

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  4. I studied a lot of medievel history and literature in college and loved it. I'm thrilled a romance writer has embraced this era. Good luck to you. Wishing you great sales and awesome reveiws. I'll be keeping an eye out for its release date.

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    1. Oh, thank you So much for the good wishes, Vonnie. My medieval hero is in England, unlike the lovely Highland hunks you've discovered :)

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  5. Looking forward to reading this. The cover is lovely and you're a great writer.

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    1. Hi Allison, thanks for the lovely words, especially as I know how talented a writer you are--historical and paranormal!

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    2. Love your new profile picture, BTW.

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  6. HI Miss Barbara. You know us ORA girls are just tickled for you! Can't wait for a release date. Hugs and Blessings - Angela

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    1. Hi Angela *waving to you and Allison*. Thanks for stopping by today. Yes, no one can beat our local group for that monthly support and fellowship. See you at the next meeting, I hope.

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  7. Sounds like a great read! Congrats!
    D'Ann

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  8. Looking forward to the release date. Best wishes!!

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    1. Oh, Elaine, I appreciate your good wishes. Best to you on your release, too.

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  9. Barbara, great interview. The books sounds like a must read. I wish you much luck and many sales.

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    1. Thanks for the thoughtful, supportive words, Jerrie. From your lips....:)

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  10. Hi, Barbara, it's your fellow BB from TWRP. Although I don't tend to read much historical, the plot for Silverhawk is appealing. I also like the name Emelin. I didn't know your background was in journalism. Was it difficult to switch over to fiction? The background I have in technical writing for state government sometimes can be a hindrance, but there are still several principles that apply to fiction as well as non-fiction. Good luck with the book.

    Barbara Barrett

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    1. Hi Fellow BB :)

      It was a little difficult to switch over--I didn't think it would be, because as you say, many fictional techniques work well in feature writing (dialogue, showing not telling, etc.) But it was more so than I'd anticipated, because I needed to learn to do deep POV. I also seemed to forget the jounalism tenent of "write it tight and make it sing." I found myself going on, and on, and on LOL. Thanks for the good wishes.

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  11. Congratulations on your coming release, Barbara. The post is wonderful and the story sounds like a winner. I'll be looking out for the release date.

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    1. Thanks so much, Darcy. I appreciate your coming by.

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  12. Congratulations and much luck to you, Barbara! The book sounds wonderful and I love the cover!

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    1. Oh, Calisa, thank you for the comments and for loving the cover, too. I think TWRP designer RJ did a fabulous job with it.

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  13. I'm so excited about the debut publication for my friend Barbara. The cover's great and the story sounds exciting. I can hardly wait to read Giles and Emelin's story.

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    1. Hugs, Claudia, and I so appreciate your support. Your own book will be coming out soon--I can't wait for it. Best of luck.

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  14. I really enjoyed this post. Am excited to read the book. Thanks.

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Susan. Great to see you here.
      I'll bring copies to the meeting ;>

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  15. Can't wait to see this book in your hands. You're very talented and a lovely lady.

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    1. Wanda, you're so sweet. I can't wait for yours to be gobbled up very soon. You have such a good voice.

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  16. Can hardly wait for its release! I love the cover and the blurb was enough to reel me in...especially that last sentence: For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

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    1. Thanks, my friend and fellow Tuesday Writer. I even managed to write a love scene or two for it. LOL> I know. Shocker.

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  17. Great interview with some fantastic advice. I can't wait to read the book!

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    1. I can't wait for you to, either! And I can't wait for you to finish your super YA. It will fly.

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    1. Thanks, Cara. I so appreciate your coming to visit on my first Silverhawk blog.

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  19. Maria, Thank you again for having me on your wonderful blog today. It was a special one for me. I'm sorry I was late in dropping by for the afternoon. Today was also the day I got to drive to Kansas City to visit grandchildren for the week, so my blogging was tucked around that four-hour drive.(Well, for most people, it's three and a half hours, but I have to stop for coffee LOL)

    You've been a great hostess. I hope you'll come visit me on my blog very soon. Best of luck.

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  20. Hi, Maria and Barb. I love your writing, but I SERIOUSLY love Regency period--I can't wait to see that!

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  21. Thanks for being here, Barbara! Can't wait to read your book.

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  22. Hi Barb,

    Sorry, I'm late to the party. This is great interview. Can't wait to hold a copy in my hands and have one downloaded on my Nook.

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  23. Another eager reader here, waiting for your release. Congrats on the sale.

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