Welcome #RRBC #RWISA Member, Marlena Smith!
In her own words…
How long have you been writing?
Since a very young age, 2nd grade being my earliest memory. Writing has always been a big part of my life, a favorite past-time.
How many books have you authored?
I have three short stories/poems in RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL Anthology. My debut novel, THE POWER OF LOVE, will be released May 1st.
Do you have a writing schedule?
Not really. I write when time allows, when I feel inspired. I try to write some each day, but that doesn’t always happen. My days tend to get hectic, but I try to make up for missed time on my less-busy days.
You’re a member of RAVE WRITERS – INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AUTHORS (RWISA). Why do you think you were accepted into this exclusive group?
RWISA brings the good writers into light, so I hope that’s where I fall… a good writer. Although I only have a few short writings in the Anthology, I’ve spent a great deal of time on my blog. A lot of my writing can be found there, and I like to believe that’s helped bring me to where I am.
Modesty aside, what separates your writing from the millions of other writers in the world?
Well, no one has ever told the story from my view, only I can do that. I like to think my story ideas are unique, the characters are relatable and that the writing is as close to perfect as it can get. (Thanks to editors, of course!) It’s important to bring the story to life, to put the reader there, and I hope I do just that.
If you could spend a day picking the brain of one author, who would that be? Why?
If I could choose anyone, whether alive today or not, I would choose Jane Austen. I fell in love with her stories at a young age and still reflect back to them. Even today, people are using her story ideas in movies, in other books, in plays. She’s timeless. So are her ideas.
Are you a die-hard INDIE writer who loves having complete control of your work, or, if you were offered a publishing contract today, would you sign on the dotted line?
That’s a hard question. I feel like once you are an Indie writer and you have lived that life and survived that struggle, that it will always be a part of who you are. I’ll be honest, I would love for my book to be “big,” maybe even on the big screen. More and more, we are seeing Indies being recognized, and it doesn’t take a big publishing house to make that happen.
As an author, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope by then that I will have several books out, double-digits!! I also hope I have made a name for myself, that people are excited to see my next book release. Fame, fortune… that’s not me. I want to be known for my words, known for my ideas. That’s the only fortune I need.
What is the ONE tool that has been the most beneficial tool in the marketing of your books?
Social Media. Apps, internet, access to worldwide knowledge… it all has come a long way. Using social media to network can really be rewarding. Now, when I say social media, it’s a very generalized term. It includes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and even blogs and sites. Social Media, especially Twitter, has helped me grow into a better writer. It has brought me amazing friendships and even brought be to RRBC. That alone is a huge thing.
Name one writer that you know of, member or non-member of RRBC, who you feel should be added to the RWISA Roster of elite members? Why?
I haven’t read as many RRBC books as I would like, although there are LOTS on my TBR list! The books I have read, those authors already belong to RWISA. I don’t feel it fair to recommend someone without reading their book first, but I’ll keep my eyes open.
What is the one piece of advice that you could share that would be most valuable for those aspiring to not only be writers, but those aspiring to be great writers?
Never give up. If you have a story in that mind of yours, write it. You’re the only one that can tell it how you would tell it. Keep writing, keep chasing that dream. Never stop.
Do you believe that writers who churn out several books a year are really putting out quality work?
It really depends on the writer, on their time, on their priorities, on their skills. I’ve seen it both ways. A lot of published books does not mean the writing is good, just like few published books doesn’t mean the writing is bad. Too many factors.
If you had promised your fans a book by a certain date only to find that your book wasn’t the best it could be, would you go ahead and publish your book just to meet that self-imposed deadline and deliver as promised, or, would you disappoint your fans and shelve the book until it was absolutely ready? No matter your reason, please explain why?
I would work extra hard to get as close to that deadline as possible. I don’t like breaking promises. That’s not the kind of person I am. But, I also only want to put out my best work. I would definitely reach out to my readers and let them know what’s going on. I think it’s important to be open. But priorities would definitely change. My focus would be solely on that book, so that I could get close to fulfilling that promise.
In your opinion, what makes a book “a great book?”
The story has to be a good one, an intriguing one. The writing has to be as close to perfect as the writer could get. (Mistakes happen, we all know that!) The characters need to be realistic, even if from a futuristic or fantasy concept. There needs to be drama, a climax, a turning point. It can’t be boring, has to keep you turning the next page.
If you received a review of your book which stated that there were editing & proofing “issues,” what’s the first thing you would do? And the second?
I would check for those issues, definitely. Regardless of whether or not I agreed, I would thank the person for their honesty.
MY BOOKS:
*RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL Anthology –
*THE POWER OF LOVE, Release Date of 05.01.17
SOCIAL MEDIA:
*Twitter – @_MarlenaSmith_
*Facebook – authormarlenasmith
*Blog – “Life As I Know It”
Thanks for dropping by to visit with Marlena today! Please do drop by 4WillsPub to visit the other amazing authors who are on tour today, as well as the authors who you didn’t get to visit with earlier in the tour! Marlena loves to chat, so do engage her below!
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: 4WillsPublishing, Blog Hop, blog tour, Marlena Smith, Nonnie Jules, Rave Reviews Book Club, RRBC, RWISA, The Power of Love
Reblogged this on shirleyharris-slaughter and commented:
Your post deserves to be shared.
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A woman after my own heart. I have no writing schedule myself. I was beginning to think I am the odd duck out. Not that it is a badge of honor. lol! Such an honest interview too. Congrats on making it in RWISA.
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Great interview!
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Enjoyed learning more about you, Marlena! 🙂
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Wonderful job Marlena. I’m so happy to get to know you better! As well…Scarlet & Lucas…& everything that happens after they meet for that coffee!!!! Looking forward to THE POWER OF LOVE!
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Marlena so sorry to post again…it looked like last nite’s was somehow stuck/frozen in my phone so I shut down & sent again from laptop this morn. I should have checked the thread 1st! I guess is very important I share again just how anxious I am for your debut novel that looks to be a beauty❣ Have a great day my friend.
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Fabulous post, Mar! I am anxiously awaiting the release of ‘The Power of Love’ it’s a great pleasure to learn more about the supportive lady we all admire so much. Beautifully hosted, by Nonnie. Bravo ladies!
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Loved your interview, Marlena! I am looking forward to reading your debut novel! Thanks for all you and Nonnie do for RRBC, and Nonnie, thanks for hosting Marlena! This is such an informative and fun blog-hop!
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Hi Marlena
So nice to get to know a little more about you! Im looking forward to The Power of Love. I can’t wait to see what happens after Scarlet has that coffee with Lucas!!!!
Thank you both, Marlena & Nonnie, for such a cool club!
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This was such a joy to read, Marlena! I’m really looking forward to your upcoming release in May. So excited for you! Also, a huge thank you for all you do within RRBC. I assure you it never goes unnoticed! 🙂
Nonnie, many thanks for the warm welcome! This has been a fabulous week, indeed! 🙂
Cheers, ladies!
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Yay! Another book to add to my TBR! I can’t wait for its release! 🙂
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Congratulations, Marlena, I know that you will be a wonderful addition to a great group of writers!!!
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Great interview! I’ll be getting your book when it comes out.
Nonnie, thank you for hosting Marlena, & giving us the chance to learn more about her. *Hugs*
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Hi Marlena,
Inspiring advice to never give up chasing your dreams. I look forward to your book release in May.
Thanks for hosting – Nonnie.
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Nonnie, thanks for hosting Marlena and for everything you do for the members of RWISA and RRBC. You are a jewel!
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So wonderful to see this interview with Marlena and getting to know more about another strong force in the framework of RRBC. Although I have a set writing schedule, I don’t always feel inspired when the day and clock rolls around to my set creative time. I do sneak other moments when inspiration strikes, and I think those instances make for exceptional time with the muse. Good for you Marlena!
Wishing you a fab day in the spotlight and thanks to Nonnie for hosting!
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Great to learn more from one of the most hardworking members of RRBC. Thanks, Marlena.
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Non, thanks so much for sharing your blog today and hosting me!! 🙂
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There are so many things we have in common, Marlena! Just like you, I write only when I am inspired. I don’t have a schedule, I love Jane Austen, read all her books, love being indie. I don’t want to publish any other way. However, if the offer is too good to ignore, I might consider publishing any other way. 🙂 Enjoy your day! Thank you, Nonnie, for hosting her. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Joy!! 🙂
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Great to learn more about you, Marlena. Up till now, I only knew you through your helpful emails when I needed an answer to some dumb question. I wish you the best of success with your debut novel. Nothing like that feeling when you can type “The End” on something you have spent so much energy and emotion writing. Thanks for sharing Marlena’s thoughts and tips, Nonnie.
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I can’t wait to experience the feeling of “The End.” 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by, Ron! And *always* happy to help our awesome RRBC members!!
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Wonderful interview with Marlena. I just know that the first debut novel will be nothing short of amazing. I have pre-ordered it and can’t wait. Thanks for hosting Marlena, Nonnie!
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Great interview, Marlena; I anxiously await the launch of your debut novel! Thanks for hosting, Nonnie, and I wish both of you a spectacular Saturday! 🙂 ~Stephanie
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Thanks so much, Stephanie!!
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What a lovely interview, Mar! I can’t wait to read your book. Thank you, Nonnie, for hosting Mar on your beautiful site.
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Thank you so much, Gwen!! I’m always appreciative of your kind and thoughtful words. 🙂
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I enjoyed getting to know you more Marlena! I look forward to reading your book !
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Thanks, D.L.!!!
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Super interview, Mar. Thanks, Nonnie for hosting.
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Ooh, Mar, can’t wait for your debut novel! 😃Great to get to learn more about you and love your interview 😊
Nonnie, thanks for hosting Mar today! 😊
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Thanks so much, Harmz!!
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Good answers! Can’t wait for your debut novel! xo
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Thanks, Rea!! 🙂
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