In the course of internet wanderings though, I’ve ran across a lot of really awesome people, and culled an enormous amount of information from blogs. As I raided my brain – yes, I picture myself on the prow of a Viking ship, approaching my own gray matter – for more people I’d like to interview, it repeatedly offered up names of bloggers. And so, the third series; Bloggers of Awesome. Yeah, it’s the BOA.
Today's guest is Deirdra Eden Coppel from A Storybook World. Deirdra's specialty is paranormal that delves into documented historical phenomenon and natural disasters of biblical proportions. Her goal in writing is to saturate her books with intrigue, mystery, romance and plot twists that will keep her readers in suspense. She wants to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles. Deirdra also creates e-book animation and other enhanced multi-media content for digital books.
BSo you run an excellent blog over at A Storybook World. What made you decide to take the approach you do on your blog?
I love helping authors and I figured if I was going to invest the amount of time I needed to in a blog I was going to blog about something I like.
I know a lot of aspiring writers who are intimidated by the idea of blogging. They want to, but they are worried it will cut into their (already precious) writing time. You're a prolific blogger - how do you recommend one be both a successful blogger and writer?
They go hand in hand. It doesn’t matter how good of a book you write, if you can’t market or have an online presence you are not going to be as successful.
You seem to work on many projects at a time, both writing and art-related. How do you balance your To-Do list?
When I organize my To-Do list I separate the bad from the good, and then I separate the good from the best. I only worry about the best and everything falls into place.
Do you think blogging is a helpful self-marketing tool?
es, but you really have to work on it and you have to use other tools of promotion as well.
What other websites / resources can you recommend for writers?
Get with a writer’s group. Learn to be a public speaker and get out there. Go to schools, church groups or any where your target audience is and get to work.
What is your genre, and what led you to it? Does your genre influence the style of your blog?
I write fantasy. Fantasy is a great teaching tool. It can be so allegoric in nature that the story can apply to many types of people and appeal to their situation.
Any words of inspiration for aspiring writers?
Fight for your dreams! You can do it! Roll up your sleeves and get to work. And remember, if we are going to be successful we must help each other.