A Prepublished Novel in the Process of Revisions and Rewrites

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Author Spotlight: Beth Trissel, Historical Romance Author


Hello, Beth! So glad to have you here.  Everyone, please give this lovely lady a warm welcome:)
Thanks so much, Dayana, for having me on your lovely blog~
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Greetings all. I'm Beth Trissel, author of historical romance and light paranormal romance, published with The Wild Rose Press. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and live on a farm in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley with entirely too many dogs and we're probably getting another one. :) We also love our kitties, well, at least I and the girls do, and the grandbabies. The beauty of the valley is an inspiration, as are my roots which go well back into Virginia’s history. Virginia truly is for Lovers. ~

And now, for some lucky visitor (or visitors) paying attention and not too shy to comment, I’m giving away a signed copy of An American Rose Christmas, drawn from among comments left for this post. If you reside outside the United States I’m giving away a digital download, so may be awarding two prizes.

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Oh Beth, that's wonderful.  I'm going to have to grab a copy of American Rose Christmas for myself. I so love Christmas stories. Well, best I get to it, then, LOL What inspired you to write your first book?
To be passionate about history so that you feel it in your very essence and long to commune with the past is often to be alone. One profound way I’ve found to connect with those who’ve gone before me is through my writing. Research into my English/Scots-Irish ancestors inspired my journey back into early America and the Virginia colonial frontier.


Wow! you make it sound so exciting.  What a wonderful way to pay tribute to one's ancestors. How many books have you written?
I have four novels published since the fall of 2008 and a story in the newly released Christmas anthology, and I just signed for another completed American historical. I am mostly finished with another American historical (both part of my colonial frontier trilogy) and am closing in on finishing up the next light paranormal novel in my ‘Somewhere’ series. I have several more in various stages of completion.
You are a busy lady! What works best to keep you focused and on track?
Hot Earl Grey tea, Dark Chocolate, and the right music. I can be bribed and inspired. Threats I tend to ignore. Pleas are answered with promises and excuses. From myself, I mean, as I am my main motivator.
Umm... I myself am a Dark Chocolate lover! Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?
Ever and always the love of writing is my foremost reason. When I stop loving it, I shall retire and rest on my laurels or whatever it is writers do. However, I cannot imagine such a day. Unless I wrote for a company that dictated what I must compose and in that case, I would quit and find another. I love the freedom I am allowed for creativity at The Wild Rose Press. It is well I’ve met with favor among the editors there because I have no intention of leaving.

Of that I can definitely relate, Beth. The Wild Rose Press is a wonderful group of people. I am quite comfortable there as well, and am working on a new Scarlet novella.  Hot! Hot! Hot! And of course working on the second book of my Roma Wolf Tales series.
What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
The social networks like Myspace and Facebook where I have wonderfully supportive friends and fans. I blog my heart out and have several blogs, and repost so as to reach the most people. I’m also a member of a group blog, The Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers. I’ve been a guest on a number of sites and done interviews. I also like Authorsden. Between the Lines, Readers and Writers of Distinctive fiction, Manic Readers…those sorts of sites are worth doing. I belong to some great loops, The Wild Rose Press Yahoo Group, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers…that help spread the word about a new release and are great for sharing information. I’ve done blog radio and am open to more guest spots on those shows. I like anything promo wise that’s FREE, but do pay for some services. I sometimes feel like all I do is promo but I think it’s because I had so many releases on top of each other this year. Whew.

I know what you mean about promo. I tend to try to do all I can to draw people, and it does tend to take a lot of time expecially when you have to continuously monitor all those venues.  Lately, I am guilty of going AWOL on some of my loops and groups because there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day, days in a week to do all I want to do! I belong to most all of the venues you mention.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?
I confess to loving Christmas but find it rather overwhelming. Easter is not so much fuss, and I Love Spring! Even though I’m allergic to it and have to take allergy shots.
When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”
After I finaled in the Golden Heart (2008) and sold Somewhere My Love to The Wild Rose Press. Or maybe that’s when I felt validated. It came in steps really. I wrote for 12+ years before achieving those two goals. Each contest final, signing with a good agent even though it ultimately didn’t work out, all helped move me in that ‘I Am A Writer’ direction.

When do you read? Where?
I read most every night before going to sleep, usually in my bed but sometimes on the couch. I need an E-Reader!

LOL, I have one though I guess mine is antiquated at this point. It's a Bookwise ebook reader:) Though it's enough for me. Where do you go to think?
I usually take a walk. Wander aimlessly is another word for it. Thinking times are vital to creativity, as is music. I favor Celtic music and movie soundtracks…music that takes me from here to ‘There.’ I’m often inspired when I watch something that stirs my imagination like Lord of the Rings.

Oh that is my favorite movie series and Aragorn(Viggo), well...
What is your least favorite thing to do as an author? Allow me to clarify: query, write a synopsis, write a blurb, market, you get the picture:)
I HATE writing a synopsis. And I’m not very good at it. My editor at the Wild Rose didn’t insist on one for my last manuscript, but I have to come up with a better blurb and I loathe writing that as well.
Do you have a recent release? 
Funny you should ask. An American Rose Christmas, a fabulous anthology featuring six stories by American historical romance authors, is out now at the Wild Rose Press. My story in this anthology is "A Warrior for Christmas." In addition to the Wild Rose Press, An American Rose Christmas is also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble online and will expand in both print and digital download to many other online booksellers. Local stores can order it in.

For more on my work please visit my website at:
http://www.bethtrissel.com/



27 comments:

  1. Excellent interview Beth! The anthology sounds like a fabulous read and I LOVE the cover! I also have way to many animals at my house! We have a dog, and six kittens which just appeared under out steps one day! Gosh were they cute! but I'm paying for it now- literally! They eat a 10lb bag of food every seven day! oy!!!!! Celtic music is also a huge inspiration for me, especially Celtic Women singing- "You raise me up" I get chills thinking about it!!!

    Anyway, best of luck!!!! And have a Merry Christmas!!!

    Spring and Easter are my favorite too!

    Andrea

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  2. Hi Beth! I am so looking forward to reading your anthology. My TBR pile is huge! So glad to see you doing so well with your books. I love spring too, and can sympathize with the Allergies. Unfortunately, in Memphis they are a year-round problem.

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  3. Thanks Andrea! You and I sound like kindred spirits.

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  4. I hear you Mary about the allergies. Thank heavens we don't live any further South. And thanks for the high five on the anthology.

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  5. I really enjoyed the interview and finding a little bit about an author that I read. I love Christmas stories and this anthology looks like it has some good stories.

    Have a Happy Holiday!!

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  6. Nice interview Beth, though I have to disagree with you on one point. Dark chocolate is much better with a cup of Barry's Gold, Irish Tea!

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  7. Fancy meeting you here! Beth, you and Dayana are busy ladies and talented writers! I love Spring in Atlanta and also pop allergy pills.

    Loved the Beth & Dayana show!

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  8. My what a great interview. No matter how many of them I read Beth, I learn something new about you every time.
    You have such a rich well to draw from. The history of the area helped to form out country. I love it!
    I'm gonna get the anthology as soon as I can!
    Good luck with sales my friend!

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  9. Wow, Thanks ladies, and for the heads up on the tea!

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  10. Great Intervive Beth.

    I love anthologies and I love the cover

    I have 2 stray cats they are beautiful. I cannot wait to read it

    Walk in harmony,
    Melinda

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  11. Great interview Dayana! Beth, it's so nice to learn more about you, and the anthology sounds so good! (I read blurbs and excerpts on another blog earlier this month!)

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  12. Hi Beth and Dayana...fun interview, ladies. Beth, you are one busy lady. I'm totally with you on the dark chocolate. And I'm a bedtime reader, too.

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  13. Great interview, Beth! I'm a big fan of Christmas and of Christmas anthologies. Usually take them out this time of year and re-read them, but most are still in storage this year. *sigh*

    I could certainly use a new one!

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  14. I love Christmas stories and cats and dark chocolate all together. :)
    Not to neglect the dogs, of course.
    And I'm having my afternoon cuppa.

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  15. I love Christmas stories and cats and dark chocolate all together. :)
    Not to neglect the dogs, of course.
    And I'm having my afternoon cuppa.

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  16. Hi Beth and Dayana,
    Great interview. Ah the Earl Grey tea, nothing better to wash down smooth creamy chocolate.
    You write such great historicals, you love for the era certainly shows up in your stories, Beth.

    All the best to you both for the festive season.Margaret

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  17. Wonderful interview Beth! I've read an excerpt of your Christmas Story and it sounds absolutely wonderful. Best wishes to you and your family. And here's to a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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  18. Wow! Are we busy here. Got home about an hour ago though I've been checking in on the old Blackberry all day. Got dinner made and just sat down with a dark red spicy tea! Glad I'm right with everyone on the tea thing, LOL Where's the dark chocolate. Pass it on over if you wouldn't mind:)

    I can't wait to get this anthology. Tonight would be a good night to curl up with a good holiday book. It's raining and dreary the Christmas lights are sparkling on the shimmering wet streets and lawns. What a beautiful sight.

    Thank you, Mary M. for such a wonderful tribute and compliment. I'm so glad you stopped by today.

    And thank everyone who dropped by today. I really enjoy seeing new faces here and hope some of you will pop in from time to time.

    Happy Holidays!
    Dayana~

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  19. Yes, thanks everyone and especially Dayana for having me.

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  20. Very nice interview, Beth, from one dark chocolate lover to the next! I used to take allergy shots too (and still should). Earl Grey does seem to have an extra energizer in it, for some odd reason.

    Ooh, Lisa, I just saw your comment. That does sound good!

    Anyways, Beth, just wanted to pop in and say hello and good luck with sales. The anthology sounds like a winner.
    Julie

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  21. Thanks Julie, fellow Earl Grey lover!

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  22. Thanks Julie, fellow Earl Grey lover!

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  23. The DH introduced me to it 20 years ago.
    I had led a deprived life!!

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  24. It occurs to me that I should announce the winner of the signed copy of An American Rose Christmas--Melinda!

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  25. You're lucky to have married your high school sweetheart. That sounds like a living romance. What kind of warrior is this lucky girl going to get for Christmas? Beth's writing is lush and transports you to the scene.

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