Category: Blog Series Page 100 of 230

A friend of mine had a booth a craft fair recently, and messaged me about Rebecca Carey Lyles and suggested I track her down for this series (she also scouted out someone else to come in the next few weeks). I gave it a shot, and have had a great interaction with her so far—I’ll hopefully continue that when I try to get to one of her books in February (or later, we’ll see how I do). Her material isn’t quite what I typically feature here, but the cliché about the spice of life has to be based on something, right? Anyway, that’s for another day—for now, enjoy this Q&A.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Thanks so much for asking, HC. I’m a wife, mom and grandma as well as an author and an editor. Although I’ve written for a variety of publications, fiction became my passion when I moved to Idaho and joined a wonderful Treasure Valley writing group. Since then, I’ve compiled a short-story collection with local authors and written two fiction series plus the first book in a third series.

My tagline for my novels is Contemporary Christian Romance Set in the West and Salted with Suspense. But some have suggested the books are suspense salted with romance due to the subject matter and action/adventure aspect. Although I tackle difficult subjects like human trafficking, coercive cults, and contemporary polygamy, I always promise happy endings—because I like happy endings. 😊
I know some think of me as shallow, and I’m okay with that, but while I understand the need for dark or ambiguous endings (and love several books with them)…give me a happy ending almost any day over those.
Here are some links for you to peruse:
Website: http://www.beckylyles.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Carey-Lyles/author/B005EJ8LP8
Facebook Author Page: Rebecca Carey Lyles
Twitter: @BeckyLyles

What brought you to Idaho in the first place? What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
My husband’s job with the phone company brought us to Boise 16 years ago, and we are forever grateful. We raised our kids in Wyoming and then Steve was transferred to Phoenix. After three long hot summers, we jumped at an opportunity to move north to God’s country again. We love this area and the creativity we’ve found here along with opportunities to connect with other musicians (Steve) and writers (me).

Now I’m curious—are you a native or a transplant, HC?
I’m a native (3rd generation on both sides, I believe)—born in the panhandle, spent a couple of years in Eastern Idaho—but have spent 4+ decades bouncing around the Treasure Valley (well, the University of Idaho was in there, too, but my home address stayed in Caldwell)

This is going afield from the “literary locals” idea, but oh well…you mentioned musicians and your husband—is there a project/band that you could plug here, or is this more of a personal pursuit on his part?
Steve loves to jam with Boise Ukulele Group. (https://boiseukulelegroup.com/) BUG is an open group and from what Steve says, a lot of fun. Everyone is invited, no matter their level of ukulele ability. He also sings and plays his uke with a four or five-person group called the Daydreamers. (https://boiseukulelegroup.com/the-daydreamers/)
I should also mention Steve and I host a podcast we call “Let Me Tell You a Story” that features authors and their books as well as people with interesting personal stories to tell. (http://beckylyles.com/podcast.html)

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
A year after we moved here, a young author named Angela Ruth Strong established an American Christian Fiction Writers group in Boise and christened it Idahope Christian Writers. We hosted monthly meetings, yearly writers’ conferences, brainstorming sessions, trainings and webinars. Through the group, I gained the information and confidence needed to begin publishing fiction.

Was there something specific that the group did to get you that confidence, or was it just repeated exposure to and interaction with other writers?
I’d been in fiction-writing groups in Wyoming and Arizona and had started my first fiction book, but no one in those groups seemed interested in writing for publication. From the beginning, ICW members pursued publication, which meant honing their craft, learning the ins and outs of publication, meeting agents and publishers at conferences, and studying marketing techniques for authors. My guess is at least a dozen ICW writers have published a minimum of one book since then, and some of us have written multiple books.

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
Attendees loved our conferences, but the pandemic put a halt to monthly meetings as well as to yearly conferences and other get-togethers. We still have a Facebook page, and fun plans are in the works to revive the group in the fall. I’m happy to report critique groups were spawned from the mother group. We continue to support each other’s writing, sometimes online and sometimes in person.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
Hmm…my audience. My books mostly sell in eBook format in the US, with an occasional eBook purchase in another English-speaking country. I attend local book-signing events once or twice a year and some people purchase print copies online, but eBooks are by far the bestsellers. And, as might be expected, women are the primary buyers. However, men occasionally write to say they enjoy my stories. A local guy who loves my books likes to say, “How does a nice lady like you write such terrible stories?” Makes my day when he says that!(That is such a twisted compliment—based on what I’m learning about your work, a fitting one, too!)

Because we’ve lived in California (Steve), Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and Idaho, we have friends, relatives and former classmates all across the West who read and promote my books for me. I also advertise online and love to read comments and reviews by far-flung readers I’ve never met.

I haven’t thought too much about online advertising for books—what kinds of places do you advertise online (at least effectively)—are we talking Facebook/other social media platforms, online magazines/journals, or other places?
As far as I know, Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads and BookBub are the main sites where authors market. Many other advertising options are available, but those three are key. I tend to focus on one at a time, partly due to cost and partly so I can judge the effectiveness of specific ads.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
The Northwest is an amazing creative corner of our great country where artistic endeavors are encouraged and appreciated. I feel blessed to be enveloped in such a welcoming, supportive environment.

Have you run into a lot of creative people in the Treasure Valley, HC?
Thanks to things like the Boise Library’s Comic Arts Festival, I’ve met some—but I need to find more of you. I know you creative types are out there, I just need to encounter some. That’s half the reason I’m doing this series, to meet more! (far easier for this introvert to do it this way than in-person, too).
Haha, I understand the introvert thing. 😊

Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I grew up in a small Wyoming farming town with mountains visible from our backdoor, so I feel right at home in Idaho. And then I attended college in Denver where I got a taste of city life (and more mountains!). As a result, I feel at home in Boise. To answer your question, my books are set throughout the West, but no doubt Idaho has informed the way I describe not only settings but characters. The stalwart grit and independent spirit found in our beautiful state inform themes of hope and freedom in my series.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
Educated is an Idaho story, though a challenging one to read. The author’s fight to escape her family’s abuse and insanity is remarkable and commendable. However, this is not necessarily a recommendation because the book is disturbing and not for the faint of heart. Also, the author, Tara Westover, was only 32 or 33 when her book was published. It has an incomplete feel about it, I think, possibly because she has more life to live and more healing to pursue. All that said, Ms. Westover is a good writer, and I enjoyed the book.

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!
Great questions, HC! Thank you for letting me talk with you about my lifelong obsession, reading (and writing) good books. 😊

After I announced this series, I got a message, “Hey, would you be interested in NE Oregon writers as well? Just on the west side of Hells Canyon in Wallowa County.” So, I expanded my horizons (just a bit) and jumped on it. Here’s the result–Reynolds-Ward is quite the prolific writer and one you should definitely find some time to check out.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Joyce Reynolds-Ward has been called “the best writer I’ve never heard of” by one reviewer. Her work includes themes of high-stakes family and political conflict, digital sentience, personal agency and control, realistic strong women, and (whenever possible) horses, frequently in Pacific Northwest settings.

She is the author of The Netwalk Sequence series, the Goddess’s Honor series, The Martiniere Legacy series, The People of the Martiniere Legacy series, and The Martiniere Multiverse series as well as standalones Beating the Apocalypse, Klone’s Stronghold and Alien Savvy.

Samples of her Martiniere short stories/novel in progress and her nonfiction can be found on Substack at either Speculations from the Wide Open Spaces (writing), Speculations on Politics and Political History (politics), or Martiniere Stories (fiction).

Joyce is a Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off Semifinalist, a Writers of the Future SemiFinalist, and an Anthology Builder Finalist. She is the Secretary of the Northwest Independent Writers Association, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, and a member of Soroptimists International.

Find out more about Joyce at her website, http://www.joycereynoldsward.com. Joyce is @JoyceReynoldsW1 on Twitter, jreynoldsward on Tumblr, joycereynoldsward on Counter.Social, and jreynoldsward on Dreamwidth.

Are you a native to the Idaho-ish area? What brought you to the area in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about the area that keeps you here?
Well, I’m over here in what some call “Greater Idaho,” aka Northeastern Oregon. I split my time between the Wallowa Valley (where I have excellent views of the Seven Devils on the border, clouds and wildfire smoke depending) and Portland, but I spend more time in the Wallowas. I am a fifth-generation Oregonian, but my family was primarily in Southern Oregon. I love the drier climate, the access to mountains, and the wide open spaces. Not always thrilled about the local politics, but that’s a given no matter where I live.

Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author. If you’re not, is there a reason for it?
Pre-Covid, I was involved with Fishtrap, which is Wallowa County’s literary organization. I have attended their winter Fishtrap Fireside readers and their Summer Fishtrap Conference at Wallowa Lake. While Fishtrap is more literary-oriented rather than genre-oriented (I write science fiction and fantasy), I’ve found it to be useful in some respects. I’m not currently involved because my doctor has asked me to avoid indoor gatherings, continue to social distance, and mask. I am, however, very involved with a regional writer’s organization, the Northwest Independent Writers Association. I have sent my books to events hosted by NIWA and host their monthly Zoom chats, as well as being a Board member. NIWA has done great things for helping regional indie writers and I’m glad to be part of the process.

(Fishtrap is such a great name)
It is. Their logo is based on the design of a fishtrap used in the local rivers. Of course, I also think of the submerged fishtrap that I saw in Crane Prairie Reservoir (near Bend) where my parents used to fish as a kid. There was a very good fishing hole near the fishtrap, so we were always looking for it.

What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
At the time, due to doctor request, I am not attending in-person events. Because of the paucity of virtual events locally, most of my event attendance tends to be located out of the area. I have participated virtually in the World Science Fiction Convention as a panelist and volunteer, the World Fantasy Convention as a panelist and attendee Weeknight Writers as a panelist and attendee, Quarancon as a panelist and attendee, SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association) write-ins and virtual gatherings, Substack Fictionistas Zoom calls, PNW Meetup (20Booksto50K local group) Zooms, as well as hosting the NIWA Zoom chats. I also plan to participate virtually in SFWA’s Nebula Conference this year.

I participate in a Northeast Oregon Writers Facebook group, but alas, I seem to be one of the more active participants. I’d like to see more regional virtual events if possible. I would LOVE to do virtual bookstore appearances and readings in Idaho, especially for my Martiniere books, which are heavily based in the inland Northwest. As an older writer, it is becoming more difficult for me to travel and reach out to potential readers. I’d love to have more virtual options.

So many of those virtual options are disappearing now, and I really thought we’d all discovered something great that would stick around along with in-person events once they returned. Which is a crying shame. For example, I attended an event hosted by (and attended primarily by the customers of) a North Carolina bookstore with an author in Liverpool—there’s no way any of us would have connected in-person. Is there a way for authors (or readers) to help get more of those going?
Contribute financially to the existing virtual options. For example, Weeknight Writers and Flights of Foundry are still continuing with virtual opportunities but they need financial support. SFWA also does a lot of virtual activities, in part due to the growing international membership. The Nebula Award Conference sponsored by SFWA will have a virtual component. Jane Friedman is continuing to offer excellent, reasonably-priced online classes along with her in-person options. NIWA is getting more participants in our online Zoom chats, in part because we are trying to create learning programs of interest to our membership.

I am also participating (along with several other people) in hosting a First Sunday Brunch podcast that is run by B-Cubed Books. B-Cubed has regular Sunday morning podcasts, and we’re filling one regular slot.

Another thing I am considering is doing a regular Zoom chat with readers. Considering the possibilities, anyway.

What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
I’d like to have a stronger local base, for sure! But I do have worldwide readers and fans. Pre-Covid, I was a regular at a science fiction convention in Missoula, MisCon, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting inland Northwest fans and readers.

Did many of those NW fans find you because of your locale, or did you get some readers who discovered after they were reading you that you’re from the same-ish area? I assume that most that discovered you via MisCon were the former, but what about the rest?
MisCon discovery was through my participation on panels and in readings—in many cases, I did the readings and panels first, and readers discovered me through seeing me. Or just hanging out in the lobby or bar and chatting with people. Similar for other conventions I attended—OryCon, in Portland, and RadCon, in the Tri-Cities. When I was handselling books at bazaars locally, if I included “local settings” in my pitch, I’d get a little bit of interest. It’s harder to sell science fiction and fantasy to a general attendance population simply because there’s a lot of reactive “oh I don’t read that stuff.” Even if it’s set locally.

Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in this neck of the woods? (possibly both)
In my case, I’m speaking to the whole region, not just the Treasure Valley. I think there is much more genre potential (SFF) here than many people realize, especially given that I’m trying to write agritech-based science fiction of late. It’s just getting the word out to readers. The other piece is getting past particular regional biases on the part of more influential gatekeepers in the publishing industry.

For you—what’s been the most effective way to get the word out to readers? Anything you’ve tried that hasn’t worked? Or anything you haven’t yet tried, but have thought about?
Oh, this changes every few months. I use social media a lot and have played around lightly with running ads. The problem is that what will work for a couple of months doesn’t always continue to work. The industry changes, big time. Right now, I’m considering running Pinterest ads, but setting up a new campaign or something like that requires a lot of preparation. Creating visuals. Creating promotional text. I had plans to get very aggressive with promotion last year, but then developed a cataract which really set me back for most of 2022. I’m regrouping and taking another run at trying to promote myself in 2023. I may try Kickstarter or Patreon, this year, and possibly selling things through my website. The problem with selling hard copy books through my website, however, is which vendor to use and which printer. Right now, some people are saying Lulu. However, I’ve been underwhelmed by what I have seen of Lulu’s production work. But I don’t know for certain, because those books have frequently been local histories and memoirs. They may turn out a perfectly nice book.

Do you bring Eastern Oregon (or some sort of Eastern Oregon-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Wallowa” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
I’d like to think that people can pick up my work and recognize the inland Northwest! It doesn’t matter if I’m writing science fiction or fantasy, I like using settings from eastern Oregon/Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana.

One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
Idaho-specific, I would say Big Jim Turner, by James Stephens. Otherwise, I tend to think of other inland Northwest writers such as Ivan Doig, Norman Maclean, and even Craig Johnson.

Good picks all around—especially with Johnson (a big favorite on this patch of cyberspace)
Craig Johnson is amazing. I try to reread the series once a year, simply because he does such an excellent job not only of evoking the region but in dealing with the supernatural. I’m really surprised he doesn’t have a greater following in speculative fiction because he writes stuff verging on horror very, very well. Stephen Graham Jones is another excellent writer who evokes that feel of the inland Northwest/Rocky Mountain region.

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!